Sir Richard Francis Burton
1 portrait matching these criteria:
- npg number matching '1070'
Sir Richard Francis Burton
by Frederic Leighton, Baron Leighton
oil on canvas, circa 1872-1875
23 1/2 in. x 19 1/2 in. (597 mm x 495 mm)
Given by the artist's sisters, at his wish, 1896
Primary Collection
NPG 1070
Sitter
Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890), Explorer and writer. Sitter in 5 portraits.
Artist
Frederic Leighton, Baron Leighton (1830-1896), Painter and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 5 portraits, Sitter in 45 portraits.
This Portrait
This austere, ponderous and intense image of one of the great explorers of Victorian England captures his slightly brutal character very effectively. The artist Frederic Leighton met Burton in 1869 while they were taking a cure at Vichy and they formed a firm friendship which lasted until Burton’s death. On 26 April 1872, Burton began sitting for his portrait. According to Lady Burton, he was extraordinarily difficult about it, anxious that his necktie and pin might be omitted and pleading with the artist, 'Don't make me ugly, there's a good fellow.' Apparently the portrait was left unfinished when Burton departed for Trieste in October 1872 and it was not completed until 1875. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy the following year, but it is possible that Burton did not like it, because Leighton kept it at his house in Kensington. He intended to leave it to the National Portrait Gallery, of which he was a Trustee, but forgot, so the then Director, Lionel Cust, arranged for it to be donated by Leighton's sisters.
Linked Publications
Sound Guide
Victorian Portraits Resource Pack, p. 25
The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 141
Cooper, John, Visitor's Guide, 2000, p. 74
Funnell, Peter, Victorian Portraits in the National Portrait Gallery collection, 1996, p. 25
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: an illustrated guide, 2000, p. 141
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 141
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 92
Subject/Theme
