2 OF 7

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

2 of 7 portraits of Elizabeth Barrett Browning

by Michele Gordigiani
oil on canvas, 1858
29 in. x 23 in. (737 mm x 584 mm)
Given by Florence Barclay, 1921
Primary Collection
NPG 1899

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Sitterback to top

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), Poet; wife of Robert Browning. Sitter in 7 portraits.

Artistback to top

Michele Gordigiani (1830-1909). Artist associated with 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Mrs Browning, like her husband, was a poet and her portrait was painted as a companion piece to that of her husband. According to a label on the back of the frame, it was done 'expressly for Sophia May Eckley and pronounced by Robert Browning to be the best Portrait ever taken of the Poetess' ; but at the time, Robert Browning was not convinced that it was a good likeness and wrote to Mrs Eckley that 'The portrait is not perfect certainly; the nose seems over long and there are some other errors in the face; also, the whole figure gives the idea of a larger woman than Ba'. It shows Elizabeth Barrett Browning looking dark-haired and intense and it is perhaps not surprising to learn that Mrs Eckley had introduced her at this time to spiritualism.

Related worksback to top

NPG 1898: Robert Browning (companion portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

Audio Guide
Eger, Elizabeth; Peltz, Lucy, Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings, 2008 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 March to 15 June 2008), p. 140
Eger, Elizabeth; Peltz, Lucy, Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings, 2008 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 March to 15 June 2008), p. 140
Funnell, Peter (introduction); Marsh, Jan, A Guide to Victorian and Edwardian Portraits, 2011, p. 38
Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 67
Rogers, Malcolm, Master Drawings from the National Portrait Gallery, 1993 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 August to 23 October 1994), p. 124
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 131
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 131
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 83