James Martineau

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

James Martineau

replica by George Frederic Watts
oil on canvas, 1873, based on a work of 1873
25 7/8 in. x 21 in. (657 mm x 533 mm)
Given by George Frederic Watts, 1900
Primary Collection
NPG 1251

Sitterback to top

James Martineau (1805-1900), Unitarian minister and writer. Sitter in 11 portraits.

Artistback to top

George Frederic Watts (1817-1904), Painter and sculptor; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Artist or producer associated with 92 portraits, Sitter in 43 portraits.

This portraitback to top

A replica of the portrait commissioned by Martineau's old pupils at Manchester New College. Watts expressed pleasure in painting 'so good and distinguished a man as Mr. Martineau'.

Related worksback to top

NPG D38299: James Martineau (after)

Linked publicationsback to top

Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 305
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 415

Subjects & Themesback to top

Oil
Painting

Events of 1873back to top

Current affairs

The public entertainment centre Alexandra Palace, designed by architect Owen Jones (associated with the Crystal Palace) and built between Wood Green and Muswell Hill in North London, burns down within sixteen days of opening. Named after Alexandra of Denmark, married to Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, the palace was quickly rebuilt, and has since been used as a transmission centre for the BBC, and as a musical entertainment venue.

Art and science

Edith Coleridge edits her late mother Sara Coleridge's Memoir and Letters. Sara, the daughter of the poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was an author, translator and editor of her father's works.

International

Inspired by prospectors' demands for better quality trousers during the 1850s Gold Rush, Levi Strauss develops a trouser made with twilled cotton cloth from France called 'serge de Nimes', later known as denim. This year, he patents the process of putting rivets in the trousers for strength, introducing 'blue jeans' to the world.

Tell us more back to top

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