Algernon Charles Swinburne
(1837-1909), Poet and literary reviewerSitter 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.
by George Richmond
watercolour, 1843
NPG 1762
Algernon Charles Swinburne with nine of his peers at Oxford
by Hills & Saunders
albumen print, circa 1859-1860
NPG P416
after Simeon Solomon
facsimile of drawing, mid 19th century, based on a work of 1864-1865
NPG 1511
by George Frederic Watts
oil on canvas, 1867
On display at The Watts Gallery, Compton
NPG 1542
by Alfred Bryan
watercolour
NPG 3016
by Carlo Pellegrini
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 21 November 1874
NPG 2216
by Harry Furniss
pen and ink, published 16 August 1890
NPG 3611
by John McLanachan, for Elliott & Fry
albumen print, circa 1894
NPG P1700(84b)
by Sir Robert Ponsonby Staples, Bt
chalk, 1900
NPG 2217
by Robert M.B. Paxton
oil on canvas, 1909
NPG 4002
Algernon Charles Swinburne; Adah Isaacs Menken
by Harry Furniss
pen and ink
NPG 6251(60)
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1865
NPG Ax17804
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1865
NPG x12831
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1865
NPG x24806
Various writers, historians and philanthropists
by and after Elliott & Fry
bromide print, 1890s
NPG Ax139908
by John McLanachan, for Elliott & Fry
woodburytype on card mount, circa 1894
NPG x128720
by John McLanachan, for Elliott & Fry
albumen cabinet card, circa 1894
NPG x12830
by John McLanachan, for Elliott & Fry
bromide print, published 1909 (circa 1894)
NPG x134953
by John McLanachan, for Elliott & Fry
half-plate glass copy negative, circa 1894
NPG x81998
Lady Jane Henrietta Swinburne; Algernon Charles Swinburne
by Unknown photographer
copy print, 1896
NPG x12832
Related People
- George Ashburnham, 3rd Earl of Ashburnham (grandfather)
- Charlotte Ashburnham (née Percy), Countess of Ashburnham (grandmother)
- Lady Mary Agnes Blanche Gordon (née Ashburnham) (aunt)
- Alice Swinburne (sister)
- Edith Swinburne (sister)
- Lady Jane Henrietta Swinburne (mother)
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