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George Gordon, Lord Byron

ca. 1820
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 554
This portrait could date any time between the publication of Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage (1812–18), which brought the poet global fame, and his death in 1824. Byron’s physical attractions were acknowledged by many, but as one observer, Lady Blessington, said, “I am sure that if ten individuals undertook the task of describing Byron, no two, of the ten, would agree in their verdict respecting him.” The long nose, thinning temple hair, and unruly forelock are beyond question Byron’s, but his apparition in a toga does not seem to refer to any known painted or engraved likeness.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: George Gordon, Lord Byron
  • Date: ca. 1820
  • Culture: Italian, probably Rome
  • Medium: Sardonyx and gold
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 7/8 x 1 5/8 in. (4.8 x 4.1 cm); visible cameo (confirmed): 38.1 x 33.4 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1940
  • Object Number: 40.20.23
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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