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Exhibitions and records of works of art

Prince Albert recognised the importance of photography to record and document notable exhibitions and works of art

ROBERT HOWLETT (1831-58)

'The Rent Day'

1857

Albumen print | 21.0 x 31.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2081492

Photograph of the painting 'The Rent Day' by Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841). The painting depicts a large group of people in an interior setting. On the left, an elderly man stands before three men seated around a table. Behind the elderly man is a woman with two children.

The original painting by the Scottish painter Sir David Wilkie was commissioned by the Right Honourable Henry Phipps (1755-1831), The Lord Mulgrave in c. 1808. An engraving of the painting was made by Abraham Raimbach in 1817. 

According to an enquirer, the names of those featured was provided by a Dr Taylorson (who was the son of William Taylorson included in the painting). These are from left to right: Mr Peter Merry, Grandfather of the late Robert Breckon, Solicitor, Whitby; Mr Merry's clerk; son of Philip Wompsa, seated at the table; Philip Wompsa standing by the table; William Taylorson counting his fingers; Jenny Dale with Henry, Earl of Mulgravee and Constantine Henry Marquis of Normanby; Robert Walker; Paul Coverdale; John Dale holding a stick; Edward Dale; Corsellio (an Italian Butler employed by the Earl of Mulgrave) who is drawing a cork; William Lawson; John Leng (or Lang) and John Stangoe. 

The original painting was viewed by Queen Victoria during a trip to Dublin in August 1853 and who was reported to have much admired the work.    

  • Creator(s)

    Robert Howlett (1831-58) (photographer)

    After Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841) (artist)

    Subject(s)

    John Dale
    Edward Dale
    Peter Merry
    Philip Wompsa
    William Taylorson
    Jenny Dale
    Sir Charles Beaumont Phipps (1801-66)
    Corsellio
    William Lawson
    John Leng
    John Stangoe
    Robert Walker
    Paul Coverdale
    Constantine Henry Phipps, 1st Marquess of Normanby (1797-1863)
  • 21.0 x 31.1 cm (image)

    54.5 x 35.8 cm (page dimensions)

  • Presented to Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Children
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Biological sciences
        • Zoology
          • Animals
            • Mammals
              • Humans
                • Babies (human)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs