Robert Dighton
(1751-1814), Portrait painter, caricaturist and actorSitter in 4 portraits
Artist associated with 320 portraits
Entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1772 and afterwards set up as a drawing-master and miniature portrait painter. The first prints that he designed were of actors in character for John Bell's edition of Shakespeare's works (1775-6). Dighton became well known as a caricaturist. He satirised lawyers, military officers, actors and actresses, as well as tailors, academics and the down-at-heel types. For a time he combined his career as artist and printseller with that of an actor and singer in the West End. In 1806, Dighton achieved notoriety when it was discovered that he had been stealing prints from the British Museum. His son, Richard Dighton, was also a caricaturist.
William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry ('Old Q-uiz the old goat of Piccadilly')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 February 1796
NPG D10693
'John Doe & Richd Roe. Brothers in law'
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 6 November 1796
NPG D46388
The Royal Cock=Pitt (William Pitt; Charles James Fox)
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 20 December 1796
NPG D47138
published by Bowles & Carver, after Robert Dighton
hand-coloured mezzotint, published 9 November 1796
NPG D47160
William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry ('Old Q-uiz the old goat of Piccadilly')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 February 1796
NPG D5569
'John Doe & Richd Roe. Brothers in law'
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 6 November 1796
NPG D13307
Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk ('A view of Norfolk')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 1 February 1796
NPG D13341
Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk ('A view of Norfolk')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 1 February 1796
NPG D13403
'John Doe & Richd Roe. Brothers in law'
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 6 November 1796
NPG D13404
'John Doe & Richd Roe. Brothers in law'
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 6 November 1796
NPG D13405
'The Fox and the grapes' (Charles James Fox)
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 29 December 1796
NPG D13406
Richard Pepper Arden, 1st Baron Alvanley
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 6 November 1796
NPG D15511
Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk ('A view of Norfolk')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 1 February 1796
NPG D15636
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 14 February 1797
NPG D9266
William Pitt ('Billy Caught Naping [napping])
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 24 April 1797
NPG D47140
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 14 February 1797
NPG D13345
Friedrich I, King of Württemberg ('A great personage')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 May 1797
NPG D13358
Friedrich I, King of Württemberg ('A great personage')
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 May 1797
NPG D15556
'Members of the Whig Club' (Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk; Charles James Fox)
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 May 1798
NPG D10721
The Arms and Supporters of a Debateing Society (Charles James Fox; William Pitt)
by and published by Robert Dighton
hand-coloured etching, published 25 January 1798
NPG D47139
Related People
- Denis Dighton (son)
- Joshua Dighton (grandson)
- Richard Dighton (son)
- Robert Dighton Jr (son)
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