Who painted Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776)?

Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776) was painted by Barthélemy Du Pan in 1747.

Where can I see Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776)?

Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776) is held by British Museum.

What movement is Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776)?

Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776)

Barthélemy Du Pan , 1747

Dr Matthew Maty (1718–1776), Principal Librarian (1772–1776) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Barthélemy Du Pan. It dates from 1747 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

Barthélemy Du Pan’s oil portrait, executed around 1747, depicts Dr Matthew Maty, who served as the Principal Librarian of the British Museum from 1772 until his death in 1776. The work presents the scholar in formal eighteenth‑century dress, holding a book, and is currently part of the museum’s own collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Dr Maty, is shown in a composed pose with a neutral expression, emphasizing his intellectual role rather than personal affect. The inclusion of a volume in his hand underscores his responsibilities as a librarian and his engagement with knowledge, while the restrained demeanor conveys the dignified seriousness associated with his office.

Technique & Style

Du Pan employs a limited palette of dark tones for the background, allowing the white ruffled collar, cuffs, and the illuminated book to stand out. The brushwork is smooth and precise, rendering the textures of the black coat and hat with subtle modeling, while the overall composition reflects the restrained elegance typical of mid‑eighteenth‑century portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1747, the portrait entered the British Museum’s holdings as part of its effort to document key figures in its early history. It has remained in the museum’s collection since its acquisition, serving as a visual record of Maty’s tenure as Principal Librarian.

Context

During the mid‑1700s, portraiture functioned as a means of affirming professional status and institutional affiliation. Dr Maty’s depiction aligns with contemporary conventions for scholars, where attire, accessories, and compositional restraint communicated authority and learned virtue within the Enlightenment’s cultural framework.