Algernon Charles Swinburne

Sitter in 25 portraits
One of the outstanding poets of the nineteenth century. Born into the minor aristocracy, Swinburne met Rossetti at Oxford, and became an intimate member of his circle. His unconventional behaviour, alcoholic excess and the erotic nature of much of his poetry aroused controversy; but his lyrical gifts gradually won him recognition as a major poet, and he exerted considerable influence on the literary and aesthetic tastes of his age. Despite his republican sympathies, Swinburne was considered as a successor to Alfred Lord Tennyson as Poet Laureate in 1892. Although not appointed Laureate, he remained popular until long after his death. He spent his last years soberly in semi-retirement in Putney, with Theodore Watts-Dunton.