Saunders is shown in half-length, in a blue coat, embroidered waistcoat and white cravat, with a powdered wig. Saunders was born in Banff, Scotland, his father was an eminent physician. He trained in Edinburgh before moving to London. In 1770 he was elected Physician to Guy's Hospital where he worked until 1802. He held many positions. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Physicians and was the President of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society in 1805. He was renowned as a scientist and was Physician Extraordinaire to the Prince Regent in 1807. There is a mezzotint print after this painting which was engraved and published by Charles Townley in September 1792.