Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend (1674-1738)
studio of Charles Jervas (Dublin 1675 – London 1739)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1675 - 1739
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
2360 x 1452 mm
Order this imageCollection
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
NT 355482
Caption
The sitter held various government posts, including Lord President of the Council (1720-21). He is here shown wearing Garter robes. After his retirement he devoted his time to the improvement of his estates and earned for himself the nickname of ‘Turnip Townshend.’ A similar portrait is at Audley End.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Charles, 2nd Viscount Townshend (1674-1738), studio of Charles Jervas (Dublin 1675 – London 1739). Full-length portrait, turned half to hisleft, standing with left hand on hip, right hand resting on table. Wearing blue velvet robe embroidered with garter insignia, with long blue and gilt tassel, with gold chain around shoulders. Red velvet tunic, lace cravat and cuffs, white shirt and breeches, stockings and garter, white shoes with red heels and silver buckles. Plumed hat on side table covered in velvet. Lord Townshend was a noted agricultural pioneer and politician. The 1955 inventory identified this as George II, when Prince of Wales.
Provenance
Bequeathed with the hall and contents by Philip,11th Marquess of Lothian (1882-1940)
Credit line
Blickling Hall, The Lothian Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
studio of Charles Jervas (Dublin 1675 – London 1739), artist