The Reception of a New Member in the Society of Antiquaries

This watercolour depicts Dr Jeremiah Miles, Dean of Exeter, President of the Society from 1769 to 1784, admitting a new member to the Society soon after the move into Somerset House. This painting, although not an accurate portrayal of the event, does capture the likeness of the small and corpulent Miles. The new member is dressed in a blur-striped coat and holds an umbrella under his arm. He stands out from the other antiquarians featured.

Rowlandson was not an antiquarian but was well connected with the Royal Academy who occupied neighbouring rooms with the Society. Perhaps he witnessed the scene through a connecting door.