I’m using an image plane as reference and it would very helpful if I could see it in Solid Mode so I can have the x-ray option. Is there anyway I can show an image map in Solid Mode? (I’ve tried using In Front on my image plane but it doesn’t do anything, maybe because I’m working with objects made with the add-on w-Mesh, not sure.) Thanks!
In the viewport shading drop down (top right) under color choose - texture.
Edit: or instead of using an image plane add the image as a reference image. add - image - reference
Thank you so much! 
That works great!!!
Still works in 4.1 I added my references as a texture with the Image Texture node and then added a matcap and lost the images.
I had to do what was suggested. Import them as References so…somehow planes parented to empties are treated as empties not meshes and matcaps are not applied to them.
It makes sense that matcaps do not apply to “reference images”, that way you can use matcaps for example to sculpt an object and still see the reference image properly.
A reference image is not a plane parented to an empty, the empty its-self is represented by the image.
Okay. Unsure about these additional details that reference what I said. Its all shortcuts so…I definitely disagree that an empty is an image. The relationship is displayed in the Outline. All I’m saying is I ran into the issue earlier today and was happy it was posted and still relevant. For anyone looking for answers on Google. We don’t have to fight. Its a forum. You know. People comment on things. Have a great day.
I probably misunderstood your post, this bit;
I am just explaining what I was talking about not a fighting 
I was referring to a reference image ( add - Image - reference) which is the same as add - empty - image.
The empty is represented by an image and gives you an extra panel of options in the empties data properties.
It is not the same as parenting an image plane to an empty, this is an image parented to an empty and matcaps do effect them.
Ah. That last action pictured is what made me Google and find this whole website. I don’t know which way is more correct for reference images I think it’s based on user needs so there’s always a half dozen ways to do something.