Charles Babbage (1792-1871)

Think that you may own a portrait of Charles Babbage? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all portraits of Charles Babbage.

There are three authentic portraits of Charles Babbage in existence. Babbage was a British mathematician known for his design of the “analytical engine”. He was born in 1792 and died in 1871.

Portrait #1, John Linnell, 1833

Portrait #1 is a stipple engraving by John Linnell. This engraving is dated 1833. Linnell (1792-1882) was an English artist.

Portrait #2, William Brockedon, 1840

William Brockedon (1787-1854) created Portrait #2 in 1840. The English artist used black and red chalk with the portrait.

Portrait #3, Samuel Laurence, 1845

Portrait #3 was painted by Samuel Laurence in 1845. Laurence (1812-1884) was an English artist.

There is one post mortem portrait to be mentioned. Virginia Kolence created an oil painting of the scientist in 1971.

It is not known whether there are additional portraits of Babbage in existence. Photography existed in his lifetime, which affected the number of portraits painted, but we will never really know until more paintings surface. Still wondering about a portrait in your family collection? Contact us... it could be a portrait of Charles Babbage.