Charles Bannister
- Artist: Robert Dighton
- Artist: Unknown engraver
- Date: 1787
- Medium: stipple
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Charles Bannister
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In front of you appears a stippled engraving of Charles Bannister, the actor and singer who lived from 1738 to 1804. The line work shows him with his head slightly turned, revealing a thoughtful profile. Notice the careful rendering of his hairline and the subtle shading that gives his face depth. The background is simple, letting the sitter’s features stand out.
This engraving was created by an unknown engraver from a painting by Robert Dighton in 1787. Dighton, known for portraits and caricatures, painted Bannister with a lively expression, which the engraver then translated into stipple form. Stipple prints were common at the time because they allowed finer detail on paper.
The work is currently part of a long‑term loan to The National Portrait Gallery, bringing this 18th‑century portrait to you for study and enjoyment.
See it in person
Charles Bannister is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
