Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool

Sitterback to top

• Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1770-1828), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 48 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir George Hayter (1792-1871), Portrait and history painter; son of Charles Hayter. Artist associated with 198 portraits, Sitter associated with 16 portraits.

This portraitback to top

A sketch for the portrait of the Prime Minister, one of the more prominent standing figures on the left side of Hayter's painting. A leading Tory statesman, Liverpool held office almost continuously for thirty years as Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and, from 1812, Prime Minister. This sketch was made late on in the process of completing the painting but was not enough for the artist. On 7 March 1823, just weeks before the painting was exhibited publicly, Hayter wrote to the Prime Minister requesting yet another sitting: 'Mr George Hayter... is really sorry to intrude this troublesome note upon his lordship's time -- but understanding yesterday that Mr Arbuthnot had had the kindness to explain to Lord Liverpool the state of his picture and the great advantage which would be derived from Lord L---- condescending to give Mr G H a short sitting, now that he has made his utmost use of the sketch he had the honour to make at Fife House. If Lord Liverpool can do Mr G H the favor to name any hour in next week... Mr G H will be highly obliged & most grateful'

Related worksback to top

• NPG 999: The Trial of Queen Caroline 1820 (finished portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 384
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 318

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• The House of Lords and the House of Commons (1 July 2000 - 1 January 2001)