Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894) Diplomat and Archaeologist

Carlo ("Ape") Pellegrini (1839 - 1889)

Lithograph

published 28 August 1869
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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road

    Diplomat and archaeologist Austen Henry Layard is depicted in top hat, checked trousers and a frock coat in this 'Vanity Fair' caricature. His thick white beard and moustache are neatly trimmed and his right hand is partially tucked into his jacket, a pose reminiscent of 18th-century portraiture where it indicates the sitter’s status as a gentleman.

  • About the artist
    Carlo Pellegrini, born in Capua, in Italy, was descended from an aristocratic family. He was just five feet two inches, with a large head and small feet. He became a popular figure of Neapolitan society, producing humorous caricatures of friends, despite apparently having no artistic training. In 1860 he joined the forces of Garibaldi and fought against the Bourbons. He then left Italy, arriving in London in 1864, where he joined the Prince of Wales’ set. His first illustration for ‘Vanity Fair’ was commissioned by T. G. Bowles in 1868 and he continued to work for Bowles under the ‘nom de crayon’ Ape. Influenced by Whistler, he unsuccessfully attempted to paint portraits. He produced 332 ‘Vanity Fair’ caricatures before his death, aged 49.
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  • Details
    Title
    Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894) Diplomat and Archaeologist
    Date
    published 28 August 1869
    Medium
    Lithograph
    Acquisition
    origin uncertain; old Ministry of Works acquisition, pre-1946
    GAC number
    0/256/5