Isaac Newton gallery

1689 Portrait

The 1689 Kneller Portrait

This is the earliest portrait of Sir Isaac Newton to survive. It was painted in 1689 when Newton was in London as a member of the Convention Parliament, following the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688. The artist was Godfrey Kneller, perhaps the greatest portrait painter of his day.

Newton was 46 years old and Principia had been published two years previously. It represents Newton "at the height of his powers."

Many people (especially me) consider this to be by far the "best" portrait of Newton. Use the above links to decide for yourself.

The portrait is on display at Farleigh House, the seat of the Earl of Portsmouth.

The 1702 Kneller Portrait

1702 Portrait Kneller painted Newton again in 1702, now as Master of the Mint and a public figure. There is a superb version of the 1702 painting at Carol Jackson Presents Fine Art - in my opinion the best collection of famous paintings on the Web, and well worth a long visit.

The painting itself is in the National Portrait Gallery and is in pride of place on their Room 5 page. (Newtonia also has a short note on the NPG and it is visited on the central London walk.)

Other portraits

The following images of portraits and sculptures are grouped by site and contain several duplications.

There is a page with three portraits at the ISAAC site.


© 1994-1999 Andrew McNab. Back to newton.org.uk