Sir Walter Scott, 1st Bt
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Bt
by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
marble bust, 1841, based on a work of 1820
30 3/4 in. x 20 1/2 in. (780 mm x 520 mm) overall
Transferred from Tate Gallery, 1957
Primary Collection
NPG 993
Sitterback to top
- Sir Walter Scott, 1st Bt (1771-1832), Novelist and poet. Sitter associated with 47 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey (1781-1841), Sculptor. Artist or producer associated with 267 portraits, Sitter in 11 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Chantrey's admiration for the famous poet and novelist led him 'to ask him to sit for me … the only time I ever recollect having asked a similar favour of any one'. The original bust was executed in 1820 and given to Scott in 1828 as 'a token of esteem'. Contemporaries considered it a fine, good-humoured likeness and Scott was particularly impressed by Chantrey's use of modern details - like the tartan cape - which updated classical tradition without overstepping the timeless requirements of a portrait in marble.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Smartify image discovery app
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 553
- Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 442
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Celebrating Charlotte Brontë (22 February 2016 - 14 August 2016)
Events of 1820back to top
Current affairs
George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hanged.
Art and science
Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.
International
Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.
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