William Esdaile

This portraitback to top

The drawing is dated to about 1826 by his approximate age, nearly 70, and by Graves's engraving which is dated 1826 but differs slightly in that he holds an impression of Rembrandt's etching 'Three Trees' instead of the book of drawings. Esdaile's remarkable collection, which included a complete set of Rembrandt etchings, was sold at Christie's 19-24 March 1838. The book of drawings has not been identified.

Physical descriptionback to top

Three-quarter-length seated in a black suit, white neckcloth and shirt-frill, holding a book of drawings against a blue table-cloth on which is another book in leather; scanty white hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion; plain bluish-grey background.

Provenanceback to top

Bought from Phillips, Son & Neale 17 February 1969 (20), previous history unknown.

Reproductionsback to top

Line engraving by R. Graves dated 1826.


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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