John "Old Taylor" Taylor 1739-1838 British School 18th.Century. An extremely elegant half length portrait of a seated lady, graphite on paper. Circa.1775. Period giltwood gesso frame. 11.3 by 13.3 cms image. 15.5 by 18.1 cms framed overall. Some slight surface grubbiness and one small worm hole to her arm all to no real detriment.
Born in Bishopsgate Street, London, John Taylor was the son of an officer in the customs. He studied art at the St. Martin's Lane Academy, and under Francis Hayman. In 1766 he was one of the original members of the Incorporated Society of Artists. Known for his highly finished portraits in pencil, Taylor was from 1779 an intermittent exhibitor at the Royal Academy. He gained the epithet "Old Taylor" due to his exceptionally long life and career.