Robert Falcon Scott

Sitterback to top

• Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912), Antarctic explorer. Sitter in 9 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Daniel Albert Wehrschmidt (1861-1932). Artist associated with 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is the only portrait of Scott to have been painted from the life. He is presented on board the Discovery following the triumphal return of his first Antarctic expedition in 1904. He wears naval uniform on which is prominently displayed the Cross of Commander of the Victorian Order awarded him by King Edward VII. He also wears the Polar Medal, which was instituted in 1904 to honour the achievement of Scott's expedition. The picture was loaned to the Gallery in 1924 by Scott's widow, the sculptor Kathleen Scott, who described it as 'a fairly good painting, a good likeness (done from life) and a pleasing picture.'

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 552

Subjects & Themesback to top

• On display at the Gallery
• Swords and shields