Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford

Sitterback to top

• Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1676-1745), Prime Minister. Sitter in 27 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Arthur Pond (1701-1758), Painter and engraver. Artist associated with 30 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Whig statesman; in all but name he was Prime Minister, 1721-42. This portrait was painted in the year of his downfall when he was drawn into an unsuccessful continental war. The portrait was probably painted in connection with the contemporary engraved series, published by the Knaptons, The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain. (caption). The portrait is housed in what the artist called an 'architrave gold frame' and what is now commonly known as a Kent of Palladian frame. (Art of)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 470
• Simon, Jacob, The Art of the Picture Frame: Artists, Patrons and the Framing of Portraits in Britain, 1997 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 November 1996 - 9 February 1997), p. 62