Tom Hayley as Robin Goodfellow

Tom Hayley as Robin Goodfellow from 1790 depicts the son of Romney's close friend, the poet William Hayley, in the guise of Shakespeare's mischievous sprite. Romney's friendship with Hayley was one of the most important relationships of his later career. Romney's oil handling was distinguished by fluid, rapidly applied strokes and an instinctive sense of elegant silhouette, producing portraits of apparent effortlessness that concealed careful preparatory drawing.

The playful figure is rendered with lively brushwork and warm coloring, the theatrical costume and impish expression capturing the character of Puck with characteristic Romney vivacity.