Engraving of Sir Simon George of Cornwall by Bartolozzi After Holbein

This rather handsome man is traditionally identified as Simon George of Quocoute, Cornwall (a property owner and respected member of society in Cornwall). There is some debate about the exact identity of the sitter, with some suggesting he may be George Cornwall, a naval commander knighted in 1544 (although the engraving clearly shows "S" as his initial). It is thought that the original drawing was one of Hans Holbein's last works. Bartolozzi (1727-1815) was a prolific engraver of all sorts of subjects, but this is part of a series of engravings of Holbein portraits which he did for King George III, and is dated 1796. He was appointed Engraver to the King at a salary of £300pa - a substantial sum at the time. He was also a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768.