James Worsdale
, English, c.1692-1767
Title
The Hellfire Club, DublinDatec.1735
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
210 x 275 cm
Credit LinePresented, Mr J. Wardell, 1878
Object numberNGI.134
ProvenanceDomville family, Santry Court; Sir Charles Domville sale; bt. Mr John Wardell, Dublin; bequeathed, Mr John Wardel, Dublin, 1878Exhibition HistorySecond National Exhibition of National Portraits, South Kensington Museum, London, May 1867Label TextThe portrait painter James Worsdale was known as a playboy as well as co-founder of the Dublin Hellfire Club, alongside the 2nd Earl of Rosse. Surprisingly, neither man features in this group portrait of the gentleman’s club. Since its foundation, rumours of satanic rituals and immorality have circulated about the club. However, no such scandalous goings-on are visible in this sedate portrait. The dapper men have been identified as Simon Luttrell, Henry Clements, Colonel Henry Ponsonby, Colonel Richard St George, and Henry Barry.