Sir Theodore Martin
(1816-1909), Scottish poet, biographer and translatorSitter in 10 portraits
Trained in the law, Martin practised as a solicitor in Edinburgh from 1840 to 1845, after which he became head of law firm Martin and Leslie in London. His first contribution to literature was the humorous Bon Gaultier Ballads, written with W.E. Aytoun. These were humorous poems and dialogues, parodying the leading verse of the day. The volume achieved immense popularity and ran to sixteen editions. He also worked on translations including Dante's Vita Nuova and Friedrich Schiller's Wilhelm Tell. Martin is probably best known for his Life of the Prince Consort (1874-80). Queen Victoria commissioned him to write this work and it was to win him her lifelong friendship.
by Robert Herdman
oil on canvas, 1876
NPG 3100
by Sir Leslie Ward
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 7 July 1877
NPG 2731
by John & Charles Watkins
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG x21219
by John & Charles Watkins
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG Ax39882
by Lock & Whitfield, published by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington
woodburytype, published 1881
NPG Ax17656
by Walery, published by Sampson Low & Co
carbon print, published January 1890
NPG Ax38314
by Walery, published by Sampson Low & Co
carbon print, published January 1890
NPG x9154
Sir Theodore Martin ('Men of the Day. No. 152.')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 7 July 1877
NPG D43804
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