James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont (1728-1799)

William Cuming , Irish, 1769-1852

Title

Datec.1820

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

122 x 99 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1882

Object numberNGI.187

DescriptionBorn in Dublin, Caulfeild received a classical education and embarked on the Grand Tour from 1746 to 1754, travelling as far as the Near East and the Balkans. On his return to Dublin, he devoted himself to the political and cultural life of the city. In 1736, he was elevated in the peerage, becoming 1st Earl of Charlemont. He introduced the Catholic Relief Bill in 1770, which was defeated, and in 1780 became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Volunteer Army. He was instrumental in the founding of the Royal Irish Academy, of which he was elected first President. He commissioned the building of both Charlement House and the Casino at Marino. This posthumous portrait was based on a watercolour sketch by Horace Hone.
ProvenancePainted for the Dublin Library, D'Olier Street; purchased, D'Olier Street Library Sale, Dublin, 1882