7 OF 59 
Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
7 of 59 portraits of Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
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© National Portrait Gallery, London
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Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
by Sir George Hayter
oil on panel, 1823
13 in. x 10 1/8 in. (330 mm x 258 mm)
Purchased, 1979
Primary Collection
NPG 5257
Sitterback to top
- Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1770-1828), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 59 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Sir George Hayter (1792-1871), Portrait and history painter; son of Charles Hayter. Artist or producer associated with 198 portraits, Sitter associated with 16 portraits.
This portraitback to top
A sketch for the portrait of the Prime Minister, one of the more prominent standing figures on the left side of Hayter's painting. A leading Tory statesman, Liverpool held office almost continuously for thirty years as Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and, from 1812, Prime Minister. This sketch was made late on in the process of completing the painting but was not enough for the artist. On 7 March 1823, just weeks before the painting was exhibited publicly, Hayter wrote to the Prime Minister requesting yet another sitting: 'Mr George Hayter... is really sorry to intrude this troublesome note upon his lordship's time -- but understanding yesterday that Mr Arbuthnot had had the kindness to explain to Lord Liverpool the state of his picture and the great advantage which would be derived from Lord L---- condescending to give Mr G H a short sitting, now that he has made his utmost use of the sketch he had the honour to make at Fife House. If Lord Liverpool can do Mr G H the favor to name any hour in next week... Mr G H will be highly obliged & most grateful'
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 384
- Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 318
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- The House of Lords and the House of Commons (1 July 2000 - 1 January 2001)
Events of 1823back to top
Current affairs
Gaols Act is passed to build new prisons, raise standards in old ones and institute regular inspections. It is prompted by the vigorous campaigning of reformers such as Elizabeth Fry, leader of the Ladies Association for the Improvement of Female Prisoners in Newgate Prison.Anti-Slavery Committee is founded in London.
Art and science
Architect, Robert Smirke begins construction of the British Museum.Thomas Wakley founds The Lancet, the first weekly medical journal and important mouthpiece of medical reform.
Charles Babbage begins work on the first calculating machine.
Charles Macintosh invents waterproof fabric.
International
Catholic Association is founded by Daniel O'Connell in Ireland in an attempt to mobilise and politicise the entire Irish Catholic population in a systematic challenge to the ruling Protestant ascendancy.War breaks out between France and Spain.
English missionary John Smith died in prison having been sentenced to be hanged for failing to take up arms against slaves in Demerara.
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