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Portrait of Sir Christopher Wren
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William Camden Edwards (1777 - 1855), engraver
After Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1743)
Kneller's portrait of Wren, painted in 1711, is in the National Portrait Gallery, NPG113.
After Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1743)
Kneller's portrait of Wren, painted in 1711, is in the National Portrait Gallery, NPG113.
Portrait of Sir Christopher Wren
London
Engraving
Inscription: Lettered with title in form of facsimile signature Chr Wren, followed by "original in the possession of Sir James Wright, Bart", and production detail, "Sir Peter Lely [sic] / W.C. Edwards / Published by John Murray Albemarle St. 1830".
Museum number: P439
Not on display
Curatorial note
Portrait of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), after Kneller. The celebrated architect looks out at the viewer, his left-hand on his hip and his right hand holding a pair of dividers and resting on a plan of the west end of the new St Paul's Cathedral, his masterpiece, begun after the destruction of old St Paul's in the Great Fire of London 1666 and completed in the year of Kneller's portrait, 1711, when Wren was 79. On the table is a copy of the works of Euclid, the Greek mathematician of the 4th century BC famed for his mastery of geometry. Wren, as well as being a celebrated architect was Gresham Professor of Astronomy, and one of the founders of a society “for the promotion of Physico-Mathematicall Experimental Learning” which became the Royal Society. Wren's own mathematical work on curves underpinned his most impressive architectural achievement – the dome of St Paul’s.
As well as drawings and books by Wren, Soane acquired a bust of Wren (displayed in the South Drawing Room) and a silver watch, presented to Wren by Queen Anne, perhaps to mark the completion of St Paul's.
As well as drawings and books by Wren, Soane acquired a bust of Wren (displayed in the South Drawing Room) and a silver watch, presented to Wren by Queen Anne, perhaps to mark the completion of St Paul's.
Associated items
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk