Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne; Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln

Sittersback to top

• Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln (1684-1728), Magnate. Sitter in 3 portraits.
• Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne (1693-1768), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 17 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

Newcastle played a prominent part in politics for nearly fifty years, acting as a Secretary of State for thirty years from 1724. He was a superb party manager and an adroit wielder of patronage. Lincoln, who was noted for his integrity, was given a seat in the Privy Council and became Paymaster-General in 1715. Both men were members of the legendary Kit-cat club and the glasses that they hold in this portrait are thought to be those specially made for the club's meetings. The landscape view represents the Belvedere Tower, a folly designed by Vanbrugh at Newcastle's seat, Claremont, near Esher.

Related worksback to top

• NPG D9029: Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne; Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln (source portrait)
• NPG D33099: Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne; Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln (source portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 187
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 457

Portrait setback to top

• The Kit-cat Club portraits: paintings by Sir Godfrey Kneller, circa 1697-1721

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Buildings and architecture
• Double portraits
• Eating and drinking
• On display at the Gallery