The subject of the present portrait is probably Christopher Hawkins (1694–1767). In facial characteristics the sitter also resembles closely the sitter in TN28, although here depicted at a younger age. If the sitter is Christopher Hawkins, a date of about 1715 to 1720 is plausible. The artist is unidentified, although the hard-edged handling of the face and draperies suggests an artist influenced by the Dutch painters Herman and Simon Verelst, who worked in London during the later part of their careers. For a portrait of Christopher Hawkins aged around fifty, by Allan Ramsay, see TN53.

In the inventory of March 1928, when it hung on the Middle Staircase, it was described as ‘Young gentleman, three-quarter length seated, auburn flowing hair and blue coat, about 60in by 32 in – carved frame’.