Sir John Francis Edward Acton, 6th Baronet (1735-1811)
Giovanni Maria Griffoni
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1800 (bears signature)
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
762 x 635 mm (30 x 25 in)
Order this imageCollection
Coughton Court, Warwickshire
NT 135605
Caption
Sir John entered the Tuscan navy as a young man, and by 1779 was entrusted with the reorganisation of the Neapolitan navy. He rose to become ‘generalissimo’ of sea and land forces, minister of finance, and prime minister under Ferdinand IV. In 1806, when the French entered Naples, he took refuge in Sicily and died at Palermo. He was the father of Cardinal Acton, Sir Richard Acton and of Elizabeth, wife of Sir Robert Throckmorton, 8th Bt. Nothing appears to be known of the artist, who has signed the painting. It is certainly an amateur picture, which is perhaps why he has sunk into obscurity.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Sir John Francis Edward Acton, 6th Baronet (1735-1811) by Giovanni Griffoni (fl.late 18th century), signed Gioni: Mara Griffon pinxit and inscribed, along the top in gold: SIR JOHN ACTON BARt BORN 1736 OB 11 AUGUST 1811/ BURIED AT PALERMO. A half-length portrait of the Prime Minister of Naples and father of Elizabeth, Lady Throckmorton, Cardinal Acton and Sir Richard Acton, in dark, gold-braided coat with white cravat and wig in red sash.
Provenance
Purchased by the National Trust in 1993 through private treaty sale with NHMF aid
Credit line
Coughton Court, The Throckmorton Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Giovanni Maria Griffoni, artist