A small scale, full-length portrait in landscape format. Husband and wife gather around an ornate table in an architecturally setting with columns and empty niches that is open to the exterior grounds of the country estate. Sir Robert Walpole in ceremonial robes sits at left. The Chancellors seal and the busts of King George I and King George II signifiy Walpole’s role as first Minister to them. Lady Walpole stands at the opposite end of the table where flowers, shells, a palette and pencils mark her love of the arts. Their hounds in the left foreground are painted by the sporting artist John Wooton who may also have painted the view of Walpole’s Norfolk estate, Houghton, in the distance. The posthumous portraits are based on lifetime miniatures by Zincke
Alternative Title:
Double portrait of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1776-1745) and Lady Walpole (circa 1682-1737)
Description:
Title devised by curator., Title from 2005 Christie's appraisal: Double portrait of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1776-1745) and Lady Walpole (circa 1682-1737)., From the 1774 Description: ... over the chimneypiece ... In a frame of black and gold carved by Gibbons, Sir Robert Walpole and Catharine Shorter; small whole lengths; by Eckardt, after Zinck: the hounds and view of Houghton by Wootton. Sir Robert is sitting; by him, on a table, is the purse of chancellor of the exchequer, leaning against busts of George 1st. and 2d. to denote his being first minister to those kings: by lady Walpole are flowers, shells, a pallet and pencils, to mark her love of the arts. Formerly located in the Blue Bedchamber at Strawberry Hill., In an ornate black and gold frame deeply carved with fruit and flowers by a follower of Grinling Gibbons. The family coat of arms set at center top. Walpole attributed the frame to Gibbons himself., Text from the 1842 Catalogue of the classic contents of Strawberry Hill collected by Horace Walpole: A very interesting and valuable picture, Portraits of Sir Robert Walpole and Catherine Shorter, Lady Walpole, small whole lengths, the former in his robes sitting, on a table near him is the purse of the Chancellor of the Exchequer leaning against busts of George I. and II., to denote his being First Minister to those kings; near Lady Walpole are flowers, shells, a pallet and pencils to mark her love of the arts; their favourite hounds in the foreground and a view of Houghton in the distance. This painting is from the united efforts of Eckardt and Wootton, and is considered a masterpiece of art; the Portraits of Sir Robert and Lady Walpole are from the miniatures by Zincke, the hounds and view of Houghton by Wootton. The black and gold frame enclosing the picture, one of the finest specimens carving, is by Gibbons, displaying with wonderful effect the arms of the family, enriched with Cupid figures as supporters, birds, fruit, grapes and foliage, most beautifully designed and perfect as a work of art. Eckardt and Wootton., and For further information, see library staff.
Subject (Name):
Walpole, Robert, Earl of Orford, 1676-1745, and Walpole, Catherine, Lady, 1681 or 1682-1737,
