Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford

Sitterback to top

• Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1676-1745), Prime Minister. Sitter in 27 portraits.

Artistback to top

• John Michael Rysbrack (1694-1770), Sculptor. Artist associated with 16 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Although this bust is signed and dated 1738, it is now thought that Rysbrack made it earlier. Identical in all but medium to a 1726 marble bust at Walpole's country house at Houghton Hall, it is likely that the terracotta bust started life as the marble bust's clay model, which was subsequently fired, signed and dated 1738.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 197
• Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 128
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 470

Subjects & Themesback to top

• On display at the Gallery
• Sculptures