An original albumen Carte-de-Visite (CDV) portrait of Charles Gordon-Lennox, 7th Duke of Richmond and 2nd Duke of Gordon (1818–1903), a prominent British aristocrat and statesman of the Victorian period. The full-length studio portrait shows the Duke in formal uniform, wearing a sash and decorations and carrying a sword, creating an impressive ceremonial portrait. Charles Gordon-Lennox was a senior figure in the British Conservative Party and held a number of important public and government offices. Under Benjamin Disraeli, he served as Lord President of the Council, giving the portrait additional interest within the political history of the Disraeli era. The reverse bears the London photographers' imprint: “MAULL & POLYBLANK PHOTOGRAPHERS 55, Gracechurch St. & 187A Piccadilly LONDON” together with an old manuscript identification: “The late Duke of Richmond.” An attractive original Victorian photographic portrait of an important figure in 19th-century British aristocratic and political history, particularly interesting for his association with Benjamin Disraeli's government.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art