拍品專文
The crest and coronet are those of Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, known as the "Canal Duke" and the "father of inland navigation." During his grand tour, he visited the Languedoc canal, which inspired him to study science and engineering at the Academy of Lyons. He never married, and after breaking an engagement withdrew from London society to concentrate on managing his estates. To this end, he built the first arterial canal in England to connect his coal mines at Worsley with Manchester.
The "Bridgewater Canal" opened in 1761 and became extremely profitable, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The Duke was well regarded by his employees, whose wages and conditions were well above average; indeed, his close association with his workmen is said to have imparted a brusque and rough manner of speech and behavior. Nevertheless, the Duke's great wealth enabled him to purchase the Orléans collection of Italian paintings, which today remains the centerpiece of the Bridgewater Collection, the largest collection of Old Masters in private hands, currently on view at the National Gallery of Scotland.
Caption:
Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, engraved by F. Scribon after a painting by Craig
National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages, 1830
The "Bridgewater Canal" opened in 1761 and became extremely profitable, as well as a popular tourist attraction. The Duke was well regarded by his employees, whose wages and conditions were well above average; indeed, his close association with his workmen is said to have imparted a brusque and rough manner of speech and behavior. Nevertheless, the Duke's great wealth enabled him to purchase the Orléans collection of Italian paintings, which today remains the centerpiece of the Bridgewater Collection, the largest collection of Old Masters in private hands, currently on view at the National Gallery of Scotland.
Caption:
Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, engraved by F. Scribon after a painting by Craig
National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages, 1830