Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork

Sitterback to top

• Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork (1694-1753), Patron of the arts. Sitter in 10 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Jonathan Richardson (1665-1745), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 120 portraits, Sitter associated with 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Burlington's profound architectural knowledge and his position in society made him the arbiter of English architectural taste. Called 'The Apollo of the Arts' by Horace Walpole, he was inspired by the work of Palladio and Inigo Jones and promoted the Palladian style, a reaction against the Baroque. An early patron of Handel, he also encouraged the production of Italian opera in London. In this portrait by Richardson, he holds in his right hand a pair of dividers and rests his elbow on a pedestal bearing an earl's coronet and a coat of arms. The pavilion in the background is the 'Bagnio' or bath-house designed by Burlington for his gardens at Chiswick House.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 29
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 86
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 86
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 90

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Arts and artists tour
• Hats and head-attire
• On display at the Gallery