George Gordon, Lord Byron

Unknown

ca. 1820 · Sardonyx and gold · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This portrait could date any time between the publication of Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage (1812–18), which brought the poet global fame, and his death in 1824. Byron’s physical attractions were acknowledged by many, but as one observer, Lady Blessington, said, “I am sure that if ten individuals undertook the task of describing Byron, no two, of the ten, would agree in their verdict respecting him.” The long nose, thinning temple hair, and unruly forelock are beyond question Byron’s, but his apparition in a toga does not seem to refer to any known painted or engraved likeness.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1820

Medium

Sardonyx and gold

Culture

Italian, probably Rome

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Milton Weil Collection, 1940