William Stukeley

Sitterback to top

• William Stukeley (1687-1765), Antiquary and physician. Sitter in 8 portraits, Artist of 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

• Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (1646-1723), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 1666 portraits, Sitter associated with 30 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This drawing is an unusual example by Sir Godfrey Kneller, who became the leading court painter after Sir Peter Lely's death in 1680. Few of Kneller's drawings survive and most are preparatory studies for paintings whereas this drawing was intended as a finished portrait. It is probable that the sitter, the anatomist and antiquarian William Stukeley, chose the composition as this image resembles other drawings of him. The profile pose is reminiscent of ancient coins and medals, evoking Stukeley's interest in antiquities. Stukeley wrote in his diary, 'Sr. Godf[rey] Kn[eller] sketched my profile on paper'.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 270
• 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. 35
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 597

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• The Art of Drawing: Portraits from the Collection, 1670-1780 (19 October 2012 - 19 May 2013)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• In profile
• On display at the Gallery