A coloured portrait of Benjamin Martin (1705-1782), originally engraved for the Encyclopedia Londinensis. Martin was a lecturer and scientific instrument maker in London, as well as an author of numerous scientific works, including "The Young Gentleman and Lady's Philosophy" in 1759. Although successful for many years, he was declared bankrupt shortly before his death in 1782. Appropriately, this image includes a vignette of a globe and a telescope as attributes of Martin's profession.

The "Encyclopedia Londinensis, or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature" was published in 24 volumes between 1810 and 1829, compiled by John Wilkes but published after his death. It aimed to make use of eminent authors and included many attractive engravings, most by J. Pass and J. Chapman.