James Silk Buckingham

Inscriptionback to top

Signed (lower left): C. S. L.

This portraitback to top

Burns was a close friend of Buckingham, which explains the gift. The painting was previously unattributed, but comparison with the water-colour of E. W. Lane (NPG 3099) by Clara Lane, also signed 'C. S. L.', suggests that it is her work; no other possible artist with the same initials is known. The date is based on costume and the apparent age of the sitter.

Physical descriptionback to top

Ruddy complexion, dark eyes, grey hair. Dressed in a dark stock, white shirt, red waistcoat and black coat. Background colour brown.

Provenanceback to top

The sitter, who gave it to Mr Burns; by descent to his grandson, Cecil Burns, and presented by his wife, 1929.


This extended catalogue entry is from the out-of-print National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue: Richard Ormond, Early Victorian Portraits, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1973, and is as published then. For the most up-to-date details on individual Collection works, we recommend reading the information provided in the Search the Collection results on this website in parallel with this text.

View all known portraits for James Silk Buckingham