Richard Porson
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Richard Porson
by Elkington & Co, after a bust by Giovanni Domenico Giannelli
electrotype of bust, 1883, based on a work of 1808
15 in. (381 mm) high
Purchased, 1883
Primary Collection
NPG 673a
Artistsback to top
- Elkington & Co, Sculptors. Artist or producer associated with 22 portraits.
- Giovanni Domenico Giannelli (1775-1841), Sculptor. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This electrotype from a plaster bust given to the National Portrait Gallery in 1883 was produced with the intention of having a more durable display item than a bust in plaster. It was reduced to this head-and-neck form from the larger bust at the wish of the Gallery's trustees who thought the bust “would be improved by being electrotyped with the omission of the drapery which was inartistic and would require a ponderous bulk of metal.”
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 501
Events of 1808back to top
Current affairs
The 'Mary Anne Clarke affair' erupts in which Clarke, mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, was said to have used her influence with him to run a military promotions racket. Championed by radical government opponents, it ends in the Duke's resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the army.Art and science
Sculptor John Flaxman begins Nelson memorial for St Paul's.Richard Trevithick demonstrates model railway travelling at 12 mph.
International
After taking Portugal, Napoleon invades Spain, deposes the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and appoints his brother Joseph as the new King. ThePeninsular War then begins under Sir John Moore and Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, aiming to protect Portugal and exploit Iberian hatred of French tyranny.
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