Bartolome Esteban MURILLO:The portrait is signed and inscribed on the cartouche on the ledge. Despite the unlined appearance of the face the painting is probably relatively late in date; of the early 1670s; when Murillo's children would have been of an age to take pride in their father's achievements. The composition is based on a formula that had been developed for portrait engravings used on the frontispiece of books. The sitter is shown in an oval frame and on the ledge below are the instruments of his profession; a palette and brushes on the right and a drawing and pencil on the left. The portrait was in Brussels the year of Murillo's death; 1682. It was imported to England in the early 18th century and inspired Hogarth's famous self portrait (London; Tate Gallery).Oil on canvas;122 x 107 cm;probably 1670-3London; National Gallery.