This portrait was painted to record the young Duke of Hamilton's visit to Rome as part of his Grand Tour. He travelled with Dr John Moore, his tutor, doctor and companion, who gestures somewhat vainly toward the classical ruins of the Forum. The colosseum can just be seen on the skyline with the Alban hills in the background. Moore's son, John, a future military hero, is also included. Both he and the dog gaze admiringly up at the duke, who was passionately fond of girls, clothes and horses.