This painting is possibly the finest portrait of Florence Nightingale.

It shows her at the scene of her greatest triumph, surrounded by individuals most closely associated with her endeavours at Scutari. Based on eye-witness evidence, its artistic qualities further make it a supreme representation of one of the most famous women in British history. This work was funded alongside another by the same artist, 'Queen VictoriaÂ’s First Visit to her Wounded Soldiers', depicting her concern for the welfare of her troops. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

Provenance

Bought from the artist by Thomas Agnew, 1857; bought by Sir Edward Bates, 1859; thence by family descent; Christie's 1993, lot 107.


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