George Richmond, R.A. 1809-1896

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Description

George Richmond, R.A.
A study for a full-length Portrait of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, Third Marquess of Salisbury (1830-1903)
pen and stump with brown ink, on writing paper with printed address (verso), Hatfield House, Hatfield, Herts'
22.4 by 18 cm., 8 1/4 by 7 1/16 in.

two pen and ink studies of the same figure, one full-face another three-quarter face (verso)

Catalogue Note

One of the best known Prime ministers of Queen Victoria's reign, Lord Salisbury was an imposing figure whose likeness has been preserved in several fine portraits. He was portrayed in grand style by Sir John Everett Millais in 1882 (National Gallery, London) and three times by Richmond. A portrait by Richmond was presented to the Queen at her Silver Jubilee in 1887 (see Raymond Lister, George Richmond, A Critical Biography, 1981, p. 170).

This drawing is a study for the second of Richmond's oils, a full length of Lord Salisbury in Chancellor's Robes, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1873, no.20 for which Richmond's account books record that he was paid £1,155. The painting, still in the Salisbury Collection at Hatfield House, shows the figure turned to the right, his left hand resting on a table, the opposite arrangement to his drawing. This study must, therefore, be an early idea for the composition, as is also suggested by the rapid application of ink.