In 1856, shortly before his death, Lord Ellesmere gave the painting to the new National Portrait Gallery in London as its founding work. As the gallery's first acquisition, it has a certain sentimental prestige, but almost at once its authenticity was doubted.
In 1856, Lord Ellesmere donated a painting to the newly established National Portrait Gallery in London, marking it as the gallery's inaugural acquisition. This act imbued the artwork with sentimental significance, as it represented the gallery's origins and mission. However, shortly after its acquisition, questions began to emerge regarding the painting's authenticity, casting a shadow over its esteemed status.
The early doubt surrounding the painting's genuineness reflects the complexities often faced by art institutions in validating their collections. Although it holds a notable place in the history of the National Portrait Gallery, the initial skepticism about its authenticity suggests that even celebrated artifacts can encounter scrutiny, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of art and representation.
