Portrait of Mai is one of the most important paintings in British art. Created by Sir Joshua Reynolds around 1776, it portrays Mai, the first Polynesian known to visit Britain. Mai travelled from Raiatea, in present-day French Polynesia, and became a well known figure in London society during the late 18th century. The painting offers a rare insight into encounters between Britain and the Pacific during a period of global exploration.
The work is widely regarded as Reynolds’ finest portrait and holds a pivotal place in global art history. It connects people, places and cultures across continents and helps tell a broader story about Britain’s relationship with the wider world.
Our exceptional £10million grant went towards the acquisition. This support helped the National Portrait Gallery raise its share of the £50million purchase price, alongside contributions from other funders and the Getty Museum in the United States. The grant ensured that this nationally important work could be secured for public benefit rather than being lost to the UK.
The successful campaign brought together funders, organisations and members of the public to save the work. The acquisition demonstrates how we safeguard a wide range of heritage, from landscapes and historic buildings to nationally important works of art.
The painting is jointly owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Getty Museum through an innovative partnership. Mai will travel periodically between the two countries, sharing time equally between them, including being displayed in the Getty Museum when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympic Games. This means more people can experience and learn from this remarkable work for generations to come.
Find out more about the precious heritage we have saved since 1980.