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Thomas Lawrence , English, 1769-1830

Title

Portrait of John Philpot Curran (1750-1817), Orator and Statesman

Date1799

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

73 x 61 cm

Credit LinePresented, 1st Earl of Iveagh, 1901

Object numberNGI.520

DescriptionJohn Philpot Curran was a barrister and a member of Henry Grattan's party in parliament. In the 1790s he acted as defence counsel the trials of several leading United Irishmen. He had a fiery temper, and was involved in five duels, but was never injured. Curran was, famously, physically unprepossessing, but, as in this example, was flattered in formal portraits, a number of which are in the National Gallery of Ireland collection. He was, however, a virtuoso orator, and possessed a formidable intellect. In portraits, he is usually dressed in a simple, formal black coat and white stock around the neck. Sir Thomas Lawrence was one of the most fashionable portrait painters in London, whose sitters included numerous distinguished individuals, including royalty.
ProvenanceSir Robert Peel, Bart.; Robinson and Fisher's, London, 10 May 1901, Drayton Manor Collection; presented, Lord Iveagh, 1901 Exhibition HistoryBritish Institute, 1849

Centenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964