Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon

Lawrence painted Frederick John Robinson, 1st Earl of Ripon, around 1824, depicting the politician who would briefly serve as Prime Minister in 1827-28 — one of the shortest and least successful premierships in British history. Robinson had served effectively as Chancellor of the Exchequer during a period of economic prosperity, earning the nickname "Prosperity Robinson," but proved unable to manage the Cabinet divisions that plagued his government. Lawrence's portrait captures the amiable but weak personality that contemporaries noted. Now in the National Portrait Gallery, the painting documents a largely forgotten figure in the political transitions between the Liverpool and Wellington governments.

Lawrence's portrait demonstrates his ability to convey political authority through restrained composition and warm tonalities. The careful rendering of the face and elegant pose typify the artist's approach to portraying senior statesmen.