Sir Humphry Davy, Bt

This portraitback to top

In view of its provenance through the Davy family this is presumably the 'invaluable little picture' mentioned by Lady Davy when she gave the Lawrence portrait to the Royal Society in 1829. It was engraved by Walker in 1830 as being in her collection then and at her death passed to her niece Grace Davy and finally to her son Dr Rolleston who, together with his cousin Sister Helen, gave it to the NPG in 1917.
At least two copies are known, one in Penzance Borough Museum, reproduced Anne Treener, The Mercurial Chemist, 1963, p 192, another formerly in Lord Gage's collection at Firle Place, Christie's 7 March 1952 (108), bought Duits.

Physical descriptionback to top

Three-quarter-length seated in the Presidential Chair of the Royal Society in a brown tail-coat and breeches with silver buttons, white shirt, neckcloth, frills and cuffs; light brown hair, hazel eyes, fresh pink complexion; no inscription. Contemporary carved wood frame with corner foliage.

Provenanceback to top

Family possession until given in 1917 by his great-niece, Miss Helen Mary Davy and great-nephew Sir Humphry Davy Rolleston, Bart.

Reproductionsback to top

Stipple by William Walker (private plate 1 June 1830) engraved 'from the Original Picture in Lady Davy's possession by John Jackson Esq. R.A.'.


This extended catalogue entry is from the out-of-print National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue: Richard Walker, Regency Portraits, National Portrait Gallery, 1985, 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.

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