FDA-P.296-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-P.296-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Stafford Henry Northcote, afterwards 8th Baronet & 1st Earl of Iddesleigh
Comments
Stafford Henry Northcote (1818-1887) was a Conservative politician who served under both Gladstone and Disraeli during his long and distinguished career. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer 1874-1880, but is probably best known for his co-authorship of the Northcote-Trevelyan Report on the Civil Service which revolutionised its system of recruitment and promotion. Northcote throughout the 1880’s came under increasing attack from, not only his former master Gladstone, but also some of the younger, back bench members of his own Conservative party, including Lord Randolph Churchill, who referred to him as ‘the Goat’. He retired from political life in January 1887 and he died only a few days later at 10 Downing Street whilst visiting the Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury.
A highly successful and prolific portrait artist of the 19th century, Margaret Carpenter was particularly sought after for her portraits of women and children. She was a family friend of the Eton schoolmaster Rev. Edward Coleridge and was commissioned to paint many ‘Leaving Portraits’ of Eton boys during a career which spanned over 50 years. The Eton Collection is fortunate to include around 20 of these portraits including this painting of Stafford Henry Northcote which, according to her ‘Sitters Book’, was painted in 1840.
A highly successful and prolific portrait artist of the 19th century, Margaret Carpenter was particularly sought after for her portraits of women and children. She was a family friend of the Eton schoolmaster Rev. Edward Coleridge and was commissioned to paint many ‘Leaving Portraits’ of Eton boys during a career which spanned over 50 years. The Eton Collection is fortunate to include around 20 of these portraits including this painting of Stafford Henry Northcote which, according to her ‘Sitters Book’, was painted in 1840.
Description
Content (note)
Half-length, in a black coat, brown waistcoat, and black stock, and with a monocle hanging on chest
Dimensions
height (sight size): 754mm
width (sight size): 620mm
width (sight size): 620mm
Inscription
Signed and dated 'Margaret Carpenter 1840'
Materials & techniques note
Oil on canvas
Physical description
Gilt with plaster moulding
Production
Person
Date
1840
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Commissioned by the sitter or his family; by whom presented to the Head Master of Eton College
References
• Cust, L., Eton College Portraits, 1910 (Page 46 (141), Plate XL)
