Catalogue of an exhibition held at the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Conn., 27 Oct.-12 Feb. 2012; and at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 10 March-10 June 10 2012. Johan Zoffany : an artist abroad / Martin Postle -- 'Strong impressions of their art' : Zoffany & the theatre / Robin Simon -- Six courts and four empires : Zoffany as courtier / Clarissa Campbell-Orr -- 'Peculiarly happy at taking likenesses' : Zoffany & British portraiture / Kate Retford -- A passage through India : Zoffany in Calcutta & Lucknow / Maya Jasanoff -- In Zoffany's footsteps : journeys through upper India, past & present / Charles Greig -- Zoffany's painting technique : The Drummond family in focus / Jessica David -- Catalogue. Of all the major artists working in eighteenth-century England, none explored with more imagination and wit the complexities of Georgian society and British imperial rule than Johan Zoffany. His body of work offers a unique perspective on key British institutions, including the art academy; the court, the theatre, the aristocratic and bourgeois family; and the British Empire. Yet although he achieved considerable success in England, Zoffany remained in many ways an outsider. In spite of his accomplishments he resisted complete integration into his adopted country; travelling for extended periods in Italy and India, and visiting Austria and his native Germany. The book includes 'Dr William Hunter teaching anatomy at the Royal Academy'; reproduced from a painting in the museum collection of the Royal College of Physicians of London. The 18th-century painter Johan Zoffany (1733-1810) was an astute observer of the many social circles in which he functioned as an artist over the course of his long career. This catalogue investigates his sharp wit, shrewd political appraisal, and perceptive social commentary (including subtle allusions to illicit relationships)-all achieved while presenting his subjects as delightful and sophisticated members of polite society. A skilled networker, Zoffany established himself at the court of George III and Queen Charlotte soon after his arrival in England from his native Germany. At the same time, he befriended the leading actor David Garrick and through him became the foremost portrayer of Georgian theater. His brilliant effects and deft style were well suited to theatricality of all sorts, enabling him to secure patronage in England and on the continent. Following a prolonged visit to Italy he travelled to India, where he quickly became a popular and established member within the circle of Warren Hastings, the governor-general. Zoffany's Indian paintings are among his most spectacular and allowed him to return to England enriched and warmly welcomed. This volume provides a sparkling overview of his finest works

Catalogue of an exhibition held at the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Conn., 27 Oct.-12 Feb. 2012; and at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 10 March-10 June 10 2012. Johan Zoffany : an artist abroad / Martin Postle -- 'Strong impressions of their art' : Zoffany & the theatre / Robin Simon -- Six courts and four empires : Zoffany as courtier / Clarissa Campbell-Orr -- 'Peculiarly happy at taking likenesses' : Zoffany & British portraiture / Kate Retford -- A passage through India : Zoffany in Calcutta & Lucknow / Maya Jasanoff -- In Zoffany's footsteps : journeys through upper India, past & present / Charles Greig -- Zoffany's painting technique : The Drummond family in focus / Jessica David -- Catalogue. Of all the major artists working in eighteenth-century England, none explored with more imagination and wit the complexities of Georgian society and British imperial rule than Johan Zoffany. His body of work offers a unique perspective on key British institutions, including the art academy; the court, the theatre, the aristocratic and bourgeois family; and the British Empire. Yet although he achieved considerable success in England, Zoffany remained in many ways an outsider. In spite of his accomplishments he resisted complete integration into his adopted country; travelling for extended periods in Italy and India, and visiting Austria and his native Germany. The book includes 'Dr William Hunter teaching anatomy at the Royal Academy'; reproduced from a painting in the museum collection of the Royal College of Physicians of London. The 18th-century painter Johan Zoffany (1733-1810) was an astute observer of the many social circles in which he functioned as an artist over the course of his long career. This catalogue investigates his sharp wit, shrewd political appraisal, and perceptive social commentary (including subtle allusions to illicit relationships)-all achieved while presenting his subjects as delightful and sophisticated members of polite society. A skilled networker, Zoffany established himself at the court of George III and Queen Charlotte soon after his arrival in England from his native Germany. At the same time, he befriended the leading actor David Garrick and through him became the foremost portrayer of Georgian theater. His brilliant effects and deft style were well suited to theatricality of all sorts, enabling him to secure patronage in England and on the continent. Following a prolonged visit to Italy he travelled to India, where he quickly became a popular and established member within the circle of Warren Hastings, the governor-general. Zoffany's Indian paintings are among his most spectacular and allowed him to return to England enriched and warmly welcomed. This volume provides a sparkling overview of his finest works