Portrait of Samuel Butler

Portrait of Samuel Butler by Bernard Lens: Bernard Lens III was the most renowned member of an artist dynasty.

What to notice

In Portrait of Samuel Butler, start with classical, portrait, figurative. Then look closely at this museum-described detail: His namesake father was a printmaker, his grandfather a painter, and two of his own sons became artists.

Discover

Bernard Lens III was the most renowned member of an artist dynasty. His namesake father was a printmaker, his grandfather a painter, and two of his own sons became artists. Lens III was a critical figure in miniature painting as the art form transitioned away from painting on vellum.