Portrait of Charlotte Brontë by George Richmond
Dublin Core
Title
Portrait of Charlotte Brontë by George Richmond
Description
This portrait of Charlotte Brontë was completed in 1850 by English portraitist George Richmond. The portrait was engraved by J. C. Armytage for the first edition of Elizabeth Gaskell's Life of Charlotte Brontë and was widely reproduced thereafter. Until the rediscovery of the Brontë group portrait in 1914, it was believed to be the only likeness of Charlotte in existence.
Various records reveal that Charlotte’s close relations responded positively to the portrait, generally believing that Richmond succeeded in capturing her likeness. Her father was particularly fond of the portrait, stating that he believed it to be very life-like and an accurate representation of his daughter’s intelligence. (Some records, however, indicate that others, such as the family servant, believed the likeness to be too old.) The use of red on the cheeks and lips adds a particular naturalness and warmth to the rather solemn expression and angular features. Interestingly, although Charlotte mentions in letters the opinions of others regarding the likeness of her portrait, she never seems to offer her own opinion of the likeness.
Like Gaskell’s biography, Richmond’s portrait cannot be considered a true representation of the person on whom it is based, no matter how accurate the likeness. Charlotte herself had no control over the outcome of the portrait, just as she had no control over the information produced in Gaskell’s account. The portrait is an interpretation of Charlotte rather than a replication; there is no way to know for sure how accurately she is represented. However, as one of the only existing likenesses of Charlotte, the portrait is an invaluable asset to those interested in better understanding her as a person of flesh and blood.
Various records reveal that Charlotte’s close relations responded positively to the portrait, generally believing that Richmond succeeded in capturing her likeness. Her father was particularly fond of the portrait, stating that he believed it to be very life-like and an accurate representation of his daughter’s intelligence. (Some records, however, indicate that others, such as the family servant, believed the likeness to be too old.) The use of red on the cheeks and lips adds a particular naturalness and warmth to the rather solemn expression and angular features. Interestingly, although Charlotte mentions in letters the opinions of others regarding the likeness of her portrait, she never seems to offer her own opinion of the likeness.
Like Gaskell’s biography, Richmond’s portrait cannot be considered a true representation of the person on whom it is based, no matter how accurate the likeness. Charlotte herself had no control over the outcome of the portrait, just as she had no control over the information produced in Gaskell’s account. The portrait is an interpretation of Charlotte rather than a replication; there is no way to know for sure how accurately she is represented. However, as one of the only existing likenesses of Charlotte, the portrait is an invaluable asset to those interested in better understanding her as a person of flesh and blood.
Creator
George Richmond
Source
National Portrait Gallery, London
Date
1850
Rights
National Portrait Gallery, London
Type
Portrait
Files
Citation
George Richmond, “Portrait of Charlotte Brontë by George Richmond,” Manhattan College Omeka , accessed October 19, 2024, https://omeka-pilot.manhattan.edu/items/show/43.