Joseph Lister (1827-1912)

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

There are two authentic portraits of Joseph Lister in existence. Lister was a British surgeon. He was the first person to use antiseptics after surgery, thereby reducing the amount of infection and saving many lives. He was born in 1827 and died in 1912.

Portrait #1 is by C.E. Ritchie. The date on this crayon portrait is unknown. The artist was commissioned by King Edward VII to draw the members of the Order of Merit. Lister was appointed a member in 1902.

Portrait #1, C.E. Ritchie, Date Unknown

T. Hamilton Crawford created Portrait #2. The date on this mezzotint is unknown. Crawford was a British artist.

Portrait #2, T. Hamilton Crawford, Date Unknown

There is one post mortem portrait that needs to be mentioned. This painting, painted by Robert A. Thom, was published in “Great Moments in Medicine” in 1966. This was a publication of Parke Davis & Company.

It is possible that there are additional authentic portraits. Photography was in existence during the lifetime of Lister, which affected the number of portraits, although we will never know for sure until more surface. Still wondering about a portrait in your family collection? Contact us... it could be a portrait of Joseph Lister.