Portrait of Daniel Sanxay

Maker Joseph Highmore (British, 1692-1780)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1748

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionsframe: 27 × 20 × 2 3/8 in. (68.6 × 50.8 × 6 cm.)

DescriptionThis is a signed and dated full-length portrait of Daniel Sanxay, a tea and lace merchant from Cheam in Surrey, England.

SignedSigned and dated in lower right of image in paint: Jos. Highmore pinx: 1748

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Mary Ann and John Sturgeon Collection

Status

Not on view

Label TextDaniel Sanxay’s portrait is a testament to his success as a tea and lace merchant in London. The elegantly dressed sitter stands next to a richly carved and gilded table covered by books and maps, including one of Portugal. The map perhaps alludes to the sea route from China to Europe discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later used by the British as they expanded the commercial tea trade.

Object number2016.15