John Hoppner was a highly-skilled portrait painter, trained at the Royal Academy of London, and recognized during his lifetime for his ability to capture the character of his sitters.

He received royal patronage, and his portraits can be seen in many of England's public and private collections. Hoppner's portraits of Richard and Sally Bache, painted during their visit to England (1792 - 3), were regarded highly by their family, and have been copied by artists including Rembrandt Peale and Thomas Sully.