A Meeting of the Newcastle Phrenological Society
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1835 (bears monogram and dated)
Materials
Oil on board
Measurements
225 x 280 mm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1230212
Caption
Phrenologists studied the shape and size of the skull as a means of determining the character and intelligence of a person. The practice was widely considered to have little scientific merit and in this painting phrenology is presented as more of a parlour entertainment than a serious academic pursuit. Eight men from the local Newcastle Phrenological Society drink, converse and share snuff around a table whilst a ninth man examines the temple bones of one of the seated figures.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, A Meeting of the Newcastle Phrenological Society, British (English) School, signed and dated, bottom left GR (?) monogram ------/--------1835. Eight male figures are seated around a green baize table illuminated by an oil lamp, with decanters and glasses on the table. A ninth man stands while he examines the bumps on a fellow's head. A female attendant enters the room from the right. The first meeting of the Phrenological Society was held on the 7th December 1835.
Provenance
Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 - 1987).
Credit line
Cragside, The Armstrong Collection (acquired through the National Land Fund and transferred to the National Trust in 1977)
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: Papee label on back of frame: 124
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist