Sir George Cornewall Lewis, 2nd Baronet (1806-1863) politician and author

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Government Art Collection

This portrait of a young man, dressed in a suit and cravat, represents the politician and author George Cornewall Lewis. Lewis was described by Benjamin Disraeli as ‘rather above middle height… [with] a remarkable countenance; massy features, antique but not classical’.

This painting was offered to the Ministry of Works by the Reverend J. G. Walker in 1953, although a dispute over its ownership meant it was not accepted until 1962. In 1956, former curator Richard Walker made the following notes regarding its value to the Collection:

'Sir Geo. Cornewall Lewis. (1806-1863) Statesman & author. Chancellor of Exchequer, Home Sec., Secretary for War. Editor of Edinburgh Review 1852-5. Would be useful for Home, War, or Scottish Offices.'

John Watson Gordon, portrait painter, was born in Edinburgh, the son of a Captain in the Royal Artillery. He studied under John Graham, George Watson and Sir Henry Raeburn and added ‘Gordon’ to his surname to distinguish himself from his cousin and uncle (both artists). Gordon was influenced by the work of Raeburn and took over as the leading Scottish portrait painter after Raeburn’s death. In 1826, he became a founding member of the Royal Scottish Academy and, in 1851, a Member of the Royal Academy, London. Many of his sitters were Scottish, but English clients also travelled to Edinburgh to sit for him. He became President of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1850 and was knighted and appointed Royal Limner for Scotland soon afterwards.

People

Sir George Cornewall, 2nd Baronet Lewis (1806 - 1863)

Places

Subjects

editor, male portrait, man, 19th century costume, cravat, wing collar, baronet, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary, Member of Parliament, Secretary of State for War

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Sir John Watson Gordon (1788 - 1864)

Title

Sir George Cornewall Lewis, 2nd Baronet (1806-1863) politician and author

Date

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 60.00 cm, width: 50.00 cm

Acquisition

Presented by Rev J G Walker, accessioned 1962

Inscription

none

Provenance

Collection of Rev. J.G. Walker; by whom presented to the Ministry of Works, via the National Portrait Gallery, in 1953

GAC number

5830