3 OF 51

Henry Edward Manning

3 of 51 portraits of Henry Edward Manning

by George Frederic Watts
oil on canvas, 1882
35 1/2 in. x 27 1/2 in. (902 mm x 699 mm)
Given by George Frederic Watts, 1895
Primary Collection
NPG 1008

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Sitterback to top

Henry Edward Manning (1808-1892), Roman Catholic convert and Cardinal-archbishop of Westminster. Sitter in 51 portraits.

Artistback to top

George Frederic Watts (1817-1904), Painter and sculptor. Artist associated with 85 portraits, Sitter in 40 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Manning was ordained into the Church of England in 1832, resigned his post in 1850 and, in the following year, entered the Roman Catholic Church. He became Archbishop of Westminster, the titular head of English Catholicism, in 1865 and was made a cardinal ten years later. For this portrait Watts expanded his usual format, posing the seated Manning in emulation of Renaissance papal portraits. As for Manning, he objected to the redness of his face: 'Tell Mr Watts that he has made me a tippler, and I am a teetotaller!'.