Unknown man in Van Dyke-style dress

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© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Unknown man in Van Dyke-style dress

by John Partridge
pencil, 1825
9 3/8 in. x 7 1/4 in. (239 mm x 185 mm)
Purchased, 1955
Primary Collection
NPG 3944(11)

Artistback to top

  • John Partridge (1789-1872), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 43 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The serious business of establishing the British academy in Rome did nothing to stem the fun and games that were enjoyed by its founder members. The masked ball was a favourite entertainment among the expat British artists in the city, but in order to attend, fancy dress was essential. Although the identity of this sitter is unknown, Partridge's portrait reflects a British artist's desire to dress up in Rome. The choice of van Dyck-style dress, with lace collar and cloak, may not only have related to a masquerade but could also have referred to the long tradition of timeless attire favoured by portrait painters from the late seventeenth century.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Events of 1825back to top

Current affairs

Strikes, contract breaking and worker intimidation prompt the passing of a new Anti-Trade Union Combination Act to the dismay of economist John McCulloch, MP Joseph Hume and radical Francis Place who had worked for the repeal of the previous year.
Catholic Relief Bill is rejected by the House of Lords.

Art and science

Construction of Thames Tunnel begins under the direction of Marc Isambard Brunel.
Stockton to Darlington Railway, the world's first passenger system, opens.
William Hazlitt publishes The Spirit of the Age; twenty-five pen-portraits of his contemporaries in the world of literature, philosophy and politics.

International

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premieres in London.
John Quincy Adams is elected President of the United States.

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