Search the Collection

Michael William Balfe

(1808-1870), Composer

Early Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter associated with 8 portraits
Dublin-born musician and composer, Balfe came to London in 1823, where he became a violinist at the oratorios at Drury Lane. Between 1825-6, he studied with Rossini, in Italy, where he became a successful opera singer. On returning to London in 1833, he found singing engagements at the Philharmonic Concerts, and was later appointed conductor of the London Italian Opera in 1845. Balfe's numerous operas and operettas included popular compositions The Bohemian Girl (1843), Rose of Castille (1857) and Satanella (1858).

Tell us More

List Thumbnail

Unknown man, formerly known as Michael William Balfe

attributed to Richard Rothwell
oil on canvas, circa 1840
NPG 1450

Michael William Balfe

by Herbert Watkins
albumen print, late 1850s
NPG P301(164)

Michael William Balfe

by Herbert Watkins
albumen carte-de-visite, early 1860s
NPG Ax18253

Michael William Balfe

by Herbert Watkins
albumen carte-de-visite, early 1860s
NPG x5158

Michael William Balfe

by Camille Silvy
albumen print, 7 April 1861
NPG Ax52300

Michael William Balfe

by Window & Grove
albumen carte-de-visite, 1872-1879 (late 1860s)
NPG x134139

Michael William Balfe

by James Russell & Sons, after Unknown artist, after Window & Grove
albumen cabinet card, late 1880s
NPG x176

Michael William Balfe

by Mayer Brothers
albumen carte-de-visite, 27 March 1861
NPG Ax38783

Use this image

Groups

Places

Tell us more back to top

Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.

If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.

Please note that we cannot provide valuations.

We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.

* What can you tell us? (Help)

There are occasions when we are unsure of the identity of a sitter or artist, their life dates, occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Do you have specialist knowledge or a particular interest about any aspect of the portrait or sitter or artist that you can share with us? We would welcome any information that adds to and enhances our information and understanding about a particular portrait, sitter or artist.

Citation (Help)

How do you know this? Please could you let us know your source of information.

* Permission to publish (Privacy information)

The National Portrait Gallery will NOT use your information to contact you or store for any other purpose than to investigate or display your contribution. By ticking permission to publish you are indicating your agreement for your contribution to be shown on this collection item page. Please note your email address will not be displayed on the page nor will it be used for any marketing material or promotion of any kind.

Please ensure your comments are relevant and appropriate. Your contributions must be polite and with no intention of causing trouble. All contributions are moderated.

Denied Granted

* Your name (Why?)

* Email (Why?)

Contributions are moderated. We'll need your email address so that we can follow up on the information provided and contact you to let you know when your contribution has been published.

Tell us more

Can you tell us more about this person?

Michael William Balfe

Thanks for Liking