Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend

Sitterback to top

• Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend (1675-1738), Statesman and agriculturalist. Sitter in 6 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 1666 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This portrait was probably painted soon after Townshend entered the House of Lords in 1697, but he does not wear his official robes. This is typical of the Kit-cat Club portraits, which emphasise the like-mindedness and unity of the members rather than their different social positions.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 296
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 620