Oil Painting, Richard Potter (1778-1843), 19thC, oil on Canvas, Liberal Party,
£945
Portrait of Richard Potter (1778–1842) Oil Painting, on canvas,
19th-Century British Politician and Reformer
This distinguished 19th-century oil portrait depicts Richard Potter (1778–1843), an important British political reformer and Liberal MP, best remembered as a founding member of the influential Little Circle, whose efforts were instrumental in securing the Reform Act of 1832.
Description
Portrait of Richard Potter (1778–1842) Oil Painting, on canvas,
19th-Century British Politician and Reformer
This distinguished 19th-century oil portrait depicts Richard Potter (1778–1843), an important British political reformer and Liberal MP, best remembered as a founding member of the influential Little Circle, whose efforts were instrumental in securing the Reform Act of 1832.
Painted in oil on canvas, the portrait presents Potter seated against a dark, restrained background, a compositional device typical of early Victorian portraiture that focuses attention on the sitter’s intellectual presence and calm authority. His composed expression, formal attire, and the inclusion of papers at his side subtly reference his role in public life and political discourse. The artist demonstrates confident handling of light and tone, with careful modelling of the face and hands that conveys both realism and dignity.
The work is housed in a simple, elegant frame and bears a plaque identifying the sitter, reinforcing its historical significance. Portraits of this nature reflect the refined British portrait tradition of the early 19th century, where character and moral seriousness were valued as highly as physical likeness.
Richard Potter served as MP for Wigan from 1832 to 1839 and was closely associated with progressive Whig and Radical reform movements of the period. After leaving Parliament, he later stood unsuccessfully for Gloucester. An original portrait of Potter is believed to be held in the National Portrait Gallery, London, underscoring his significance in British political history.
A compelling historical portrait, ideal for collectors of British political history, 19th-century portraiture, or institutional and scholarly collections.
Size 91.5 x 71.1 cm
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