George Saunders

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

George Saunders

by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
pencil, circa 1830
19 1/4 in. x 25 1/4 in. (489 mm x 641 mm)
Given by Mrs George Jones, 1871
Primary Collection
NPG 316a(106)

Sitterback to top

George Saunders (1762-1839), Architect. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey (1781-1841), Sculptor. Artist or producer associated with 267 portraits, Sitter in 11 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This drawing, showing two views of Saunders, demonstrates Chantrey's skilled use of the camera lucida. Areas of the subject's collar have been roughly drafted, following the lines projected onto the paper, but the face is more highly worked with hatching strokes marking out recessed and shaded areas. Saunders was an architect and theorist. He published A Treatise on Theatres (1790) and designed the earliest top-lit public galleries in Britain for the British Museum (1808, rooms demolished in 1849). Held in high-esteem by his peers, he was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1812. The marble bust relating to this drawing has not been traced.

Linked publicationsback to top

Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 549
Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 438, 624

Placesback to top

Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (artist's studio, Pimlico, London)

Events of 1830back to top

Current affairs

George IV dies at Windsor on 26 June; William IV succeeds to the throne.
Duke of Wellington resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Earl Grey.
'Captain Swing' disturbances among agricultural districts in southern England. Taking their name from a mythical leader, hundreds of labourers break the threshing machines that threaten their winter employment.

Art and science

Liverpool and Manchester Railway opens; MP William Huskisson is run down by a train and killed at the inaugural ceremony.
William Cobbett publishes Rural Rides; a nostalgic tribute to the English countryside which expresses dismay at the sweeping changes taking place.

International

July Revolution in France overthrows the Bourbon dynasty. Charles X goes into exile in England and Louis Philippe, Duc d'Orleans is proclaimed King by the Chamber of Deputies who fear European opposition to the declaration of a second Republic.

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