Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
(1781-1841), SculptorSitter in 11 portraits
Artist associated with 267 portraits
Though destined to become one of the most famous sculptors of his age, Chantrey began life as a painter. In his memoirs the artist Charles Robert Leslie remembered Chantrey as 'handsome (his mouth exceedingly beautiful) with a bluff John Bull look'. The most outstanding sculptor of his generation, Chantrey executed portrait busts, public monuments and memorials. His success was the result of his study of character, combining direct observation with simplicity of form. Chantrey had little formal training. He was born of a poor family in Sheffield and only established himself in fashionable society in 1809 when he married into money and set up a studio in London. In 1811, the exhibition of his bust of the radical John Horne Tooke made his name. For the rest of his life Chantrey never wanted for commissions. He left a fortune to the National Gallery for the promotion of contemporary British art.
John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent
by John Cook, published by Richard Bentley, after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
stipple engraving, published 1843
NPG D40015
John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent
by John Cook, published by Richard Bentley, after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
stipple engraving, published 1843
NPG D40016
Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey; James Watt (on reverse)
by William Wyon, after William Bain, and after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
bronze medal, 1843
NPG D2912
after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
anaglyptograph, 1849
NPG D10861
Benjamin West; James Wolfe (on reverse)
by W. Wilson, after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey, and after Benjamin West
bronze medal, 1866
NPG D2931
by Alfred Robert Freebairn, after a gem by John De Veaux, after a bust by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
line engraving, published 1837
NPG D5484
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