This portrait was described by Queen Victoria as ‘a speaking likeness’ of the celebrated bass-baritone Luigi Lablache (1794–1858). For over twenty years during the summer season Lablache gave the Queen singing lessons – she is said to have had a clear soprano voice – and in her Journal she regularly recounts her delight when seeing him perform on stage in his many guises.

Commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1852

No. 151