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Queen Victoria

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Queen Victoria

by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
pencil, circa 1839
20 in. x 16 1/4 in. (508 mm x 413 mm)
Given by Mrs George Jones, 1871
Primary Collection
NPG 316a(125)

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  • Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 546 portraits, Artist associated with 5 portraits.

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These drawings were made for a bust of Queen Victoria in her coronation year. In the profile drawing, Chantrey has repeated the detail of the nose and parted lips. The success of Chantrey's busts of her uncles George IV and William IV, may have led to this commission. Made towards the end of Chantrey's life, it was said to be the last bust he touched with his chisel. Queen Victoria's consort Prince Albert thought that the bust was the best portrait of his wife.

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Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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