This portrait was painted by David Allan for William Hamilton during his second visit to Naples, expressing gratitude and regard. David Allan praised Sir William Hamilton as "a true lover and Promotor of the fine Arts and protector of Artists, of which I have had the honour of a very particular share.”
William Hamilton, who lived from 1730 to 1803, was a prominent British diplomat and archaeologist. He is best known for his work as a diplomat in Naples and his significant contributions to ancient Greek vase painting.
Hamilton served as the British envoy to the Kingdom of Naples from 1764 to 1800, during which time he played a crucial role in shaping British relations with the Neapolitan court. He also has a keen interest in the art and archaeology of ancient Greece, particularly Greek vase painting. He collected many Greek vases, documented and studied these vases, and published several influential volumes on the subject. He greatly contributed to the understanding of ancient Greek art and culture.
In this portrait, Sir William Hamilton wears the ceremonial dress of a Knight of the Bath: gold collar and badge, pink cape over a silk white suit, the ostrich-plumed hat on a chair at his side, presumably set in the Palazzo Sessa, Hamilton's official residence at Naples. It carefully shows his lineage, status, honors, taste, and generosity.
In this case, pink stands for nobility.