Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9254
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Portrait of Isaac Newton
Date
1725-1726
Sitter
Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727, British) , Natural philosopher
Creator
John Vanderbank (1694 - 1739, British) , painter
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (painting): 305mm
width (painting): 203mm
width (painting): 203mm
Subject
Description
Head of Isaac Newton facing slightly to the viewer’s right. Apparently a preparatory study for more formal paintings, the subject has natural long white hair and a white neck-cloth. The eyes are dark, liquid and meeting the viewer’s gaze.
Inscribed below: “Sr. Isaac Newton”.
Isaac Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1672, he served as its President from 1703 to 1727.
Inscribed below: “Sr. Isaac Newton”.
Isaac Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1672, he served as its President from 1703 to 1727.
Transcription
“Sr. Isaac Newton”.
Object history
Purchased by the Royal Society in 1950.
Council Minutes for 12 January 1950 state: “The Treasurer reported that Sir Henry Dale and Dr E. Ashworth Underwood had drawn attention to the sale of a portrait study in oils on paper from the hand of J. Vanderbank for his oil painting of Sir Isaac Newton. Resolved – That this portrait study should be purchased for the sum of £75 chargeable to the Donation Fund.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Printed (CMP/18), volume 18, 1948-1953, 12 January 1950 meeting, minute 16, p.120].
Council Minutes for 12 January 1950 state: “The Treasurer reported that Sir Henry Dale and Dr E. Ashworth Underwood had drawn attention to the sale of a portrait study in oils on paper from the hand of J. Vanderbank for his oil painting of Sir Isaac Newton. Resolved – That this portrait study should be purchased for the sum of £75 chargeable to the Donation Fund.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Printed (CMP/18), volume 18, 1948-1953, 12 January 1950 meeting, minute 16, p.120].
Associated place
