Queen Victoria
1 portrait of Queen Victoria
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Queen Victoria
published by William Heinemann, after William Nicholson
lithographic reproduction of a hand-coloured woodcut, published 1899 (1897)
10 in. x 9 3/8 in. (254 mm x 239 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1902
Reference Collection
NPG D33652
Sitterback to top
- Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 548 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- William Heinemann (1863-1920), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 17 portraits.
- Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (1872-1949), Artist. Artist or producer associated with 30 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Produced to coincide with Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in June 1897, Nicholson based his portrait on a photograph of the Queen wearing a bonnet decorated with ostrich feathers. In contrast to recognised modes of royal portraiture, she is depicted here without the trappings of state, standing alone and unadorned. The artist at once illustrates the stoicism and fragility of her final years, and the woodcut earned him critical acclaim. Writing for the Daily Mail, Joseph Pennell remarked: 'I have yet to be shown a painting of Her Majesty worthier of a place in our National Portrait Gallery than this little colour print'.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D33653: Queen Victoria (from same stone)
- NPG D32962: Queen Victoria (from same stone)
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- William Nicholson: Radical Woodcuts (26 March 2013 - 31 October 2013)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1899back to top
Current affairs
George Nathaniel Curzon, Lord Curzon, is appointed Viceroy of India, pursuing a mixed policy of forceful control and conciliation. Curzon's inquiries into Indian administration result in legislation in areas including education, irrigation, and policing. The Board of Education is created to co-ordinate the work of higher grade elementary schools, county technical schools and endowed grammar schools, also setting up a register of teachers.Art and science
The Italian Guglielmo Marconi transmits the first wireless telegraph, between France and England across the English Channel, a distance of 32 miles. Marconi's production of waves over long distances lays the foundations for the development of the radio. Later this year, Marconi demonstrates his invention in America, at the Cup yacht race, and for the American navy.International
Outbreak of the second Boer war, fought between the British Empire and the two independent Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. Despite a disastrous start, Britain quickly won the war, although guerilla warfare continued until 1902, leading to the introduction of concentration camps by British commander Lord Kitchener, a measure which contributes to the British public's growing disillusionment with the campaign.Comments back to top
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