Object Image

Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912), Antarctic explorer.

This is the only portrait of Scott to have been painted from the life. He is presented on board the Discovery following the triumphal return of his first Antarctic expedition in 1904. He wears naval uniform on which is prominently displayed the Cross of Commander of the Victorian Order awarded him by King Edward VII. He also wears the Polar Medal, which was instituted in 1904 to honour the achievement of Scott's expedition. The picture was loaned to the Gallery in 1924 by Scott's widow, the sculptor Kathleen Scott, who described it as 'a fairly good painting, a good likeness (done from life) and a pleasing picture.'...

1905
Oil on canvas
1511.0 x 1003.0mm
NPG 2079
Image and text © National Portrait Gallery, 2022

Where you'll find this

National Portrait Gallery
Permanent collection