Sir John Bowring

1 portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Sir John Bowring

by Pierre-Jean David D'Angers, cast by Louis Richard
bronze medallion, 1832
6 1/8 in. (155 mm) diameter
Given by Sir Lionel Henry Cust, 1897
Primary Collection
NPG 1082

Sitterback to top

  • Sir John Bowring (1792-1872), Political economist, traveller and the 4th Governor of Hong Kong. Sitter in 18 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Pierre-Jean David D'Angers (1788-1856), Sculptor and medallist. Artist or producer associated with 8 portraits.
  • Louis Richard (1791-1879), Medallist. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

As well as the accurate representation of facial features, D'Angers was particularly interested in recording the shape of the head and the form of the skull. In this example, the broad arch of Bowring's forehead is emphasised in high relief. The medallion was presented to the Gallery in 1897 by the Director, Sir Lionel Cust. He purchased it from the collector Frederick Parker Weber, who in turn obtained the cast from Richard's son-in-law.

Linked publicationsback to top

Events of 1832back to top

Current affairs

William IV agrees to the creation of new peers in order to obtain the passage of the Reform Act, although this proved unnecessary when the Tories withdrew opposition. Male franchise is extended by fifty percent; fifty-six 'rotten boroughs' lose representation and forty-one new constituencies are created. Irish and Scottish Reform Acts are also passed.

Art and science

Mathematician Charles Babbage publishes his best selling Economy of Machinery and Manufactures. In response to recent outbreaks of machine-breaking and riots, he aimed to reveal the sources of Britain's industrial strength to the urban elite and promote institutional change.
Parliament votes funds for National Gallery buildings in Trafalgar Square.

International

Free land grants end for English settlers in Australia on recommendation of the leading colonisation theorist Edward Wakefield in his Letter from Sydney.
Greek independence recognised by the Treaty of London.

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