Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894) Diplomat and Archaeologist

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road

Diplomat and archaeologist Austen Henry Layard is depicted in top hat, checked trousers and a frock coat in this 'Vanity Fair' caricature. His thick white beard and moustache are neatly trimmed and his right hand is partially tucked into his jacket, a pose reminiscent of 18th-century portraiture where it indicates the sitter’s status as a gentleman.

Carlo Pellegrini, born in Capua, in Italy, was descended from an aristocratic family. He was just five feet two inches, with a large head and small feet. He became a popular figure of Neapolitan society, producing humorous caricatures of friends, despite apparently having no artistic training. In 1860 he joined the forces of Garibaldi and fought against the Bourbons. He then left Italy, arriving in London in 1864, where he joined the Prince of Wales’ set. His first illustration for ‘Vanity Fair’ was commissioned by T. G. Bowles in 1868 and he continued to work for Bowles under the ‘nom de crayon’ Ape. Influenced by Whistler, he unsuccessfully attempted to paint portraits. He produced 332 ‘Vanity Fair’ caricatures before his death, aged 49.

People

Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817 - 1894)

Places

Subjects

male portrait, archaeology, beard, 19th century costume, top hat, diplomat

Materials & Techniques

lithograph

Artist

Carlo ("Ape") Pellegrini (1839 - 1889)

Title

Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894) Diplomat and Archaeologist

Date

published 28 August 1869

Medium

Lithograph

Acquisition

origin uncertain; old Ministry of Works acquisition, pre-1946

GAC number

0/256/5