Art Funded by you

Portrait of Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness

George Knapton, 1751–1753

Portrait of Robert Darcy whose family had important historical links with Temple Newsam. Robert Darcy (1718-78), 4th Earl of Holderness, was a direct descendant of Thomas, Lord Darcy, the original builder of Temple Newsam (c 1500), who was beheaded for treason in 1537. Holderness was ambassador to Venice (1744-6) and The Hague (1749-51) and was Secretary of State almost continuously between 1751 and 1761. He had many critics but was described by the Duke of Newcastle as 'universally loved and esteemed ... diligent and exact in all his proceedings'. He was an enthusiastic director of opera and masquerades, and a patron of the poet William Mason.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Portrait of Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness, 1751–1753

Date supported

2000

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

119 x 137 cm

Grant

25000

Total cost

50040

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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