1 OF 90

Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell

1 of 90 portraits of Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell

by Roger Fry
oil on canvas, circa 1923
21 1/4 in. x 17 3/4 in. (540 mm x 451 mm)
Purchased, 1970
Primary Collection
NPG 4832

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Sitterback to top

Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (1872-1970), Philosopher and social reformer. Sitter associated with 90 portraits.

Artistback to top

Roger Fry (1866-1934), Critic and painter. Artist of 5 portraits, Sitter associated with 17 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Subdued in palette and the handling of paint, Fry's portrait is notable for its clarity, directness and understatement. These qualities seem appropriate for a likeness of a philosopher who admired the 'supreme beauty' of mathematics - 'cold and austere'.

Linked publicationsback to top

Audio Guide
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 188
Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 188
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 539
Spalding, Frances, Insights: The Bloomsbury Group, 2005, p. 100