Saint John Henry Newman Victorian Photo Cardinal Oxford Movement Antique Portrait

Description

Antique photographic portrait of Saint John Henry Newman (1801–1890), the hugely influential English theologian, writer and churchman who became one of the leading figures of the Oxford Movement.

Newman began his religious life as an Anglican clergyman before converting to Roman Catholicism in 1845. He was created a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879 and was canonised as Saint John Henry Newman in 2019.

This striking image shows Newman in profile, wearing his distinctive cap and clerical dress. The photograph is presented within an unusual circular aperture on a square mount, giving it a particularly attractive appearance.

The image closely relates to known 19th-century photographic portraits of Newman, including those associated with Birmingham photographer Henry Joseph Whitlock. However, as there is no photographer's studio mark visible on this example, I am not attributing the actual photograph to Whitlock.

The reverse has an old handwritten collector's identification reading:

“John Henry Newman – English Theologian”

A wonderful piece of Victorian religious and photographic history with interest to collectors of John Henry Newman, early photography, Catholic history, the Oxford Movement and Victorian portraiture.

Condition

Antique condition with age-related wear. The photograph shows some surface marks, spotting and general signs of age, with wear around the circular aperture. The square backing/mount has age-related marks, staining and discolouration, together with handwritten identification on the reverse.

There is no photographer's stamp or printed studio information visible.

Despite its age, the portrait remains clear and displays very well.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show exactly what is included.

ALL SHOWN