Andrew Lambirth

Face value

Pompeo Batoni 1708–1787<br /> <em>National Gallery, until 18 May</em>

issue 15 March 2008

Pompeo Batoni 1708–1787
National Gallery, until 18 May

The first impression offered by the Batoni exhibition in the Sainsbury Wing is one of dullness. I tend to do a quick reconnaissance of any show before starting the serious work of looking in detail, in order to gauge its range and extent, and my initial response was not optimistic.

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