Charles James Fox
- Artist: Joseph Nollekens
- Date: 1805
- Medium: marble
- Dimensions: 27 1/8 in. x 16 1/2 in. (690 mm x 420 mm) overall
- Portrays: Charles James Fox
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Before you stands a marble bust of Charles James Fox, completed in 1805 by sculptor Joseph Nollekens. The work measures about 27 inches tall and just over 16 inches wide, giving it a life‑size presence that draws your eye straight to the sitter’s profile.
Marble is polished to a gentle sheen; you’ll notice the delicate carving of his cheekbones, the subtle curl in his hair, and the thoughtful line of his jaw. On the base an inscription records a Latin motto translating as “Charles, alone in our time revived the oratory of Demosthenes,” nodding to Fox’s reputation as a master speaker.
Nollekens carved this for William Smith MP, a patron who wanted to honor Fox’s public service. The bust even graced the ceremony when the Prince of Wales was sworn in as Regent in 1811, standing beside him on stage.
Fox was a Whig statesman whose campaigning helped bring better representation and supported revolutions in America and France. The piece was displayed in 2001’s exhibition “Return to Life: A New Look at the Portrait Bust,” which explored mid‑Georgian portraiture.
See it in person
Charles James Fox 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.
