This is a version of an unfinished picture now in the Menil Foundation
Collection, Houston. The existence of many versions of this work can be
explained by the fact that Sir Joshua Reynolds encouraged his
students to copy it. The sitter is thought to be Francis (Frank)
Barber, the servant of Dr Johnson. Johnson held Barber in high esteem,
flouting convention by educating him and making him his principal
heir.
I really enjoy the subtle differences in these works, although some dimensions are lost due to the less than stellar photography. You can read more about Barber here, a man who was enslaved, and after gaining freedom had various adventures as an apothecary, in the Royal Navy, and as heir to his companion & mentor Dr. Samuel Johnson. Although many of you might not recognize that name, you might be familiar these paintings, also by Reynolds:
Gay Hell 