Isaac Taylor

Inscriptionback to top

Signed and dated (lower right): J. Gilbert (copy)/1862

This portraitback to top

The original drawing by Gilbert of 1862 was commissioned by a Mr Johnstone, and the NPG replica was executed around 1890. In a letter of 9 January 1892 (NPG archives), the artist wrote:

'In saying that the drawing did not quite equal the original in "go" I did not mean as to likeness, which I think is very successful in rendering the sort of far-away contemplative look of Isaac Taylor which was characteristic of him.'
In a later letter Gilbert gave details of his career. An earlier drawing by him of Taylor, signed and dated 1854, was exhibited SKM, 1868 (504), lent by the sitter.

Physical descriptionback to top

Healthy complexion, greyish eyes and hair. Dressed in a black neck-tie, white shirt and black coat.

Provenanceback to top

The artist, presented by him, 1892.


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 Isaac Taylor