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Nathaniel Dance-holland




, portrait by Nathaniel Dance, c. 1775, National Maritime Museum , Greenwich]]

The third son of Architect George Dance The Elder , Dance (he added the 'Holland' suffix later in life) studied art under Francis Hayman , and like many contemporaries also studied in Italy. There he met Angelica Kauffmann , and painted several historic and classical paintings.

On his return to England, he became a successful portrait painter. With Hayman and his architect brother George Dance The Younger , he was one of the founder members of the Royal Academy in 1768 .

He was commissioned to paint King George III and his queen, plus Captain James Cook and actor David Garrick .

In 1790 , he gave up his artistic career and became Member Of Parliament for East Grinstead in Sussex . He served this seat until 1802 when he moved to Great Bedwyn , serving until 1806. In 1807 he returned to East Grinstead, serving until his death in 1811. He was made a Baronet in 1800, which became extinct upon his death.

His nephew, Sir Nathaniel Dance (1748–1827), was a well-known commander of East India Company ships.