1777 - 1842

A Life of Art and Diplomacy

Sir Robert Ker Porter was a British artist, writer, and diplomat. Born in Durham, England, he studied at the Royal Academy after being recommended by Benjamin West. His early career included painting altarpieces for churches in Shoreditch and Portsea, as well as works for St John's College, Cambridge. He gained significant attention as one of Britain's earliest panorama painters, creating massive works such as the 120-foot long Storming of Seringapatam and the Battle of Lodi, which were exhibited at the Lyceum Theatre.

Porter’s professional life was deeply intertwined with international service. He served as the historical painter to Tsar Alexander I of Russia and later held the position of British consul in Venezuela for fifteen years. His travels took him through Russia, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, the Caucasus, and Persia, where he documented his journeys through various writings and sketches.

Travels and Notable Works

During his extensive travels, Porter engaged in significant historical and archaeological observations. In Persia, he visited Tehran, Isfahan, and Persepolis, where he made drawings and transcribed cuneiform inscriptions. He is noted for being the first person to locate the tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae. His artistic output also included portraits, such as one of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar and a portrait of Simón Bolívar.

His literary contributions include several published accounts of his expeditions, such as:

  • Letters from Portugal and Spain
  • Travelling sketches in Russia and Sweden
  • Travels in Georgia, Persia, Armenia, Ancient Babylonia, &c. &c.

Вопросы и ответы

Как я могу проследить творческий путь Robert Ker Porter по годам?

Работы Robert Ker Porter представлены в хронологическом порядке на странице Хронология работ.

Какие цвета Robert Ker Porter использовал чаще всего?

Цветовой профиль работ Robert Ker Porter представлен на странице Палитра художника художника.

Можно ли просматривать работы Robert Ker Porter по настроению?

На странице Подбор по настроению работы Robert Ker Porter распределены по настроению.

Можно ли изучить работы Robert Ker Porter по темам?

Работы Robert Ker Porter можно изучать по темам на странице Атлас сюжетов художника.

Самопроверка

В каждом вопросе только один правильный ответ.

Вопрос 1:
Which Russian Tsar appointed Robert Ker Porter as his historical painter?
Вопрос 2:
In which city was Robert Ker Porter born?
Вопрос 3:
What type of large-scale paintings was Porter known for in Britain?
Вопрос 4:
Which position did Porter hold for fifteen years starting in 1826?
Вопрос 5:
Where was the monument erected to commemorate Porter's memory?