George Arnald

1 portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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George Arnald

by George Arnald
oil on canvas, 1831
29 1/2 in. x 24 1/2 in. (749 mm x 622 mm)
Given by Montague Bernard, 1979
Primary Collection
NPG 5254

Sitterback to top

  • George Arnald (1763-1841), Marine and landscape painter. Sitter in 2 portraits, Artist or producer of 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

  • George Arnald (1763-1841), Marine and landscape painter. Artist or producer of 1 portrait, Sitter in 2 portraits.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 27 Read entry

    Reflections play a complex role in this self-portrait. The viewer’s eyes are drawn from Arnald’s painting on the easel to the view of a romantic landscape, apparently seen out of the window; but the view is actually his own painting Castle of Gloom of 1814, inspired by Nicholas Poussin (1594-1665). Arnald is at work on a smaller version, further confusing our perceptions with this double trompe l’oeil. The unseen mirror suggests a false reality, and the artist manipulates our response to his ‘reality’.

  • Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 18
  • Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 12

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1831back to top

Current affairs

Parliamentary Reform Bill is rejected by the House of Lords prompting riots in Nottingham, Derby and Bristol.

Art and science

Michael Faraday demonstrates electromagnetic induction.
Death of Lady Sarah Ponsonby, last of the famous Ladies of Llangollen who attracted many of the leading names in art and literature to visit them at their home in Plas Newydd, Wales.
Opening of New London Bridge, designed by John Rennie.

International

Violinist Niccolo Paganini arrives in England from Italy and embarks on a six month tour of the country after astonishing London audiences with his virtuoso performances.
Revolutionary outbreaks in Modena, Parma and the Papal States influenced by the July Revolution in France the previous year.

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