Sir Humphry Davy, Bt (1778-1829), Natural philosopher
Sitter in 20 portraits
The chemist and inventor Davy is recognised for his groundbreaking work with gases and electrolysis. In 1807 he demonstrated the existence of potassium, sodium and chlorine with a galvanic battery. He also experimented with diamond combustion and invented the miner's safety lamp in 1815. He was rewarded for his contribution to science with a baronetcy (1818) and the presidency of the Royal Society (1820).
by Henry Howard
oil on canvas, 1803
On display in Room 18 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 4591
by John Jackson
watercolour, circa 1820
NPG 1794
by Thomas Phillips
oil on canvas, 1821
On display at Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere
NPG 2546
after Sir Thomas Lawrence
oil on canvas, (circa 1821)
NPG 1573
Men of Science Living in 1807-8
by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075
Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by George Zobel, and William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075a
Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075b
by Albert Bruce-Joy
plaster cast of medallion, 1876
NPG 1273
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 23 May 1802
NPG D13036
by Samuel William Reynolds, after Thomas Phillips
mezzotint
NPG D1731
by Samuel William Reynolds, after Thomas Phillips
mezzotint, published 1822 (1821)
NPG D1732
by William Henry Worthington, published by Agnew & Zanetti, and published by Rudolph Ackermann, after James Lonsdale
line engraving, published March 1827
NPG D34825
by William Henry Worthington, published by Agnew & Zanetti, and published by Rudolph Ackermann, after James Lonsdale
line engraving, published March 1827
NPG D34826
by G.R. Newton, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
line engraving, published 1830
NPG D9103
by and published by William Walker, after John Jackson
stipple engraving, published 1 June 1830 (circa 1820)
NPG D34823
by and published by William Walker, after John Jackson
stipple engraving, published 1 June 1830 (circa 1820)
NPG D20065
by William Henry Worthington, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
line engraving, published 1831
NPG D34824
by Charles Turner, after Henry Howard
mezzotint, published 1835
NPG D1729
by Charles Turner, after Henry Howard
mezzotint, published 1835
NPG D1730
by Samuel William Reynolds, published by and after Thomas Phillips
mezzotint, published 1822 (1821)
NPG D20426
Scholarship and Research
Science
Groups
Founders of the Royal Institute of Great Britain
Regency scientists
Romantic poets
Place
Cornwall





















