Alexander Pope

Sitterback to top

• Alexander Pope (1688-1744), Poet. Sitter associated with 44 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Louis François Roubiliac (1702-1762), Sculptor. Artist associated with 13 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Eighteenth-century portrait sculpture was influenced by works from ancient Greece and Rome. The dignity and status of male sitters could be enhanced by portraying them as Roman senators with cropped hair and a toga or cloak. This allowed sculptors greater freedom to depict a subject's features and physique without the restrictive wigs and clothing of modern fashion. The classical look suited the poet Alexander Pope who translated Homer and had just published his poetic Imitations of Horace (1733-8).

Linked publicationsback to top

• Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 217
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 500

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Beningbrough Hall
• Sculptures