… 'Emma Hamilton', © National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG 4448, circa 1785. Image Joshua Reynolds, ‘The Dilettanti Society’, © National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG D32325, 1777-1779. Image Allen, David, ‘Sir William and the first Lady … This is featured in the group portrait that was painted by Joshua Reynolds, which shows Sir William’s induction into the Society of the Dilettanti (see above). Six men sit or stand around Sir William, discussing the vase on the table and its … Nicknamed the ‘Modern Pliny of Vesuvius’, 4 Sir William explored the volcano, then sent letters back to the Royal Society in England detailing his observations of Vesuvius, where they were read aloud, together with drawings and rock …