Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9281
Looking for a special gift? Buy a print of this image.
Portrait of William Spottiswoode
Date
ca. 1880
Sitter
William Spottiswoode (1825 - 1883, British) , Mathematician
Creator
George Frederick Watts (1817 - 1904, British) , Painter
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (painting): 660mm
width (painting): 540mm
width (painting): 540mm
Subject
Description
This dark, powerful portrait places Spottiswoode gazing directly towards the viewer. Half-length, the sitter’s dark clothing – black jacket and brown waistcoat - is obscured to concentrate attention on the face. Spottiswoode has a high, prominent nose, receding hair and a full, greying, brown beard.
William Spottiswoode was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1853, he served as its President from 1878 to 1883.
William Spottiswoode was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1853, he served as its President from 1878 to 1883.
Transcription
WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE, (1825-83) Treasurer 1870-78, President 1878-83 by G.F.Watts Presented by R.ANDREW SPOTTISWOODE, 1962
73 Portrait of William Spottiswoode, FRS lent by Hugh Spottiswoode Esq. London
Watts Exhibition, Manchester, 1905 172
73 Portrait of William Spottiswoode, FRS lent by Hugh Spottiswoode Esq. London
Watts Exhibition, Manchester, 1905 172
Object history
Presented R. Andrew Spottiswoode, 1962
The work is noted in Council Minutes: “Reported the offer by Mr.R.A.Spottiswoode of a portrait by G.F.Watts of William Spottiswoode...Resolved – That the action of the Officers be confirmed, that the offer...be accepted and that thanks of the Society be returned to the donors.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Printed, vol. 21 1961-64, p.49, meeting of 1 March 1962, minute 21].
The work is noted in Council Minutes: “Reported the offer by Mr.R.A.Spottiswoode of a portrait by G.F.Watts of William Spottiswoode...Resolved – That the action of the Officers be confirmed, that the offer...be accepted and that thanks of the Society be returned to the donors.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Printed, vol. 21 1961-64, p.49, meeting of 1 March 1962, minute 21].
Associated place