Henry Addington, First Viscount Sidmouth
- Date
- 1797–98
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- made in
- London, Greater London, England, Europe
- depicts
- London, Greater London, England, Europe
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- American Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 93 1/2 in. × 64 in. (237.5 × 162.6 cm)
framed (approx.): 113 × 84 in. (287 × 213.4 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 26:1929
NOTES
Henry Addington's commanding garment and authoritative pose communicate his importance. He entered Parliament in 1783 and served as speaker of the House of Commons from 1789 to 1801. The rich velvet robes with refined gold trim are those of his office. The mace lying on the table next to the book (inscribed "Journals 1794") alludes to the power of his position, and the view of Parliament glimpsed through the piers on the left side of the picture further attests to his role. Addington's elevated status is underscored through the enormous scale of the column to the right. The animated red drapery above it enhances the impact of this impressive picture.
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