Samuel Rogers

Sitterback to top

• Samuel Rogers (1763-1855), Poet, banker and connoisseur. Sitter in 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873), Painter. Artist associated with 54 portraits, Sitter in 21 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This drawing shows a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Rogers's preparation for one of his literary breakfasts. Landseer makes full use of his subject's ungainly pose as he scratches his back. His expression in the mirror suggests immense satisfaction. The intimacy of Landseer's caricatures indicates an exceptional degree of access, although they may of course be entirely fictitious. If Rogers saw these drawings, his reaction has not been recorded.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Rogers, Malcolm, Master Drawings from the National Portrait Gallery, 1993 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 August to 23 October 1994), p. 111

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Caricatures by Edwin Landseer (16 November 2009 - 23 May 2010)

Portrait setback to top

• Caricatures of prominent people by Sir Edwin Landseer, circa 1830-40

Subjects & Themesback to top

• From behind
• Mirrors and reflections