John Dalton F.R.S.

Zanetti & Agnew

Summary

A portrait of Manchester scientist John Dalton (1766–1844). Dalton is shown here in his middle years. He is seated, with his legs crossed, and resting his right elbow on a side table, his index finger to his temple. His hair is worn cropped and brushed forwards. On the table are scientific apparatus, and drawings of small circles, probably representing atoms: a reference to one of his great discoveries. Books can be seen behind the table, on a shelf partly draped with a curtain. Dalton wears round spectacles that, from the angle we see them here, partly obscure his eyes. His dress is dark and plain, with britches buttoned at his knee, and a buttoned waistcoat and collared coat, worn with a white neck cloth.