Robert Southey

Sitterback to top

• Robert Southey (1774-1843), Poet Laureate. Sitter in 17 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey (1781-1841), Sculptor. Artist associated with 266 portraits, Sitter in 11 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This bust of the poet and historian Robert Southey was commissioned by his publisher, John Murray, but not accepted. Southey refused to give further sittings, writing caustically that as Chantrey was 'perfectly acquainted with the outside of my head, I have desired Murray to send him a book which will show him the inside of it'.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Piper, David, The English Face, 1992, p. 187
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 577
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 471

Subjects & Themesback to top

• On display at the Gallery
• Sculptures