John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe, 1740 - 1804. Bibliophile
About this artwork
The Duke of Roxburghe’s fame stems from his collection of books, which, when sold over forty-five days in 1812, reached more than £23,000. The Roxburghe Club of fine book collectors was formed at this time and named in his memory. Roxburghe shared an interest in books with King George III and was favoured with impressive titles such as a knighthood of the Thistle and the Order of the Garter. Like many aristocrats and gentry figures, Roxburghe travelled to Italy in 1760 to partake in the Grand Tour. In line with fashion, he was painted by the Italian painter Pompeo Batoni whilst in Rome in 1762 (despite the painting being dated 1761). Batoni’s ability to depict his sitter’s status through their dress is highlighted in Roxburghe’s lavish peer’s robes.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Pompeo Batoni (1708 - 1787) Italian
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title:John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe, 1740 - 1804. Bibliophile
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date created:1761
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:248.00 x 172.50 cm; Framed: 274.32 x 200.66 x 10.16 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Accepted by the Secretary of State for Scotland in lieu of inheritance tax and allocated to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1998
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accession number:PG 2940
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Pompeo Batoni
Pompeo Batoni
Batoni, a native of Lucca, was the son of a goldsmith. He began in his father's workshop but left for Rome in 1727 where he soon acquired a reputation for making fine drawings after the antique, which were often bought by British visitors. During his long career, Batoni executed altarpieces for...
