John Rae

This portraitback to top

This portrait was engraved by J. Scott, published Graves & Co, 1858 (example in NPG), the engraving exhibited RA, 1858 (1133). There is a replica in the Scottish NPG (no.1488), commissioned by the sitter, and presented by his descendant, Dr J. H. Tallant.

Physical descriptionback to top

Healthy complexion, brown eyes, brown hair and beard. Dressed in a dark stock, white shirt, and brown cape or cloak lined with white fur. The red and blue fringe beyond the fur-lining is probably decorative, but might just possibly be some kind of academic hood. The background colour is predominantly light grey.

Provenanceback to top

Commissioned or purchased by Colonel John Barrow, and bequeathed by him, 1892.

Exhibitionsback to top

RA, 1853 (598); Royal Naval Exhibition, Chelsea, 1891 (56).


This extended catalogue entry is from the out-of-print National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue: Richard Ormond, Early Victorian Portraits, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1973, and is as published then. For the most up-to-date details on individual Collection works, we recommend reading the information provided in the Search the Collection results on this website in parallel with this text.

View all known portraits for Stephen Pearce

View all known portraits for John Rae