Art and collections
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
'Penelope and Euriclea' returns to Stourhead
- Published:
- 02 October 2023
A race against time brings 'Penelope and Euriclea', by Angelica Kauffman, back to Stourhead after 140 years.
Uncovering the artist
Henry Hoare II ‘the Magnificent’ (1705–1785), the creator of Stourhead’s landscape garden, was an enthusiastic art collector and greatly admired the work of Kauffman - a leading female artist working in a male-dominated sphere who became a prominent figure in the art and cultural worlds.
Although she only spent 15 years in England, her artistic contributions had a significant impact on the eighteenth-century English art scene. She went on to become one of only two female Founder Members of the Royal Academy. In the 1770s, Kauffman drew upon the epics of Homer and Virgil for subjects. The resulting works were widely exhibited and among her first commercial successes with history paintings in England.
Painting 'Penelope'
In this fine oil painting, Angelica Kauffman depicts Penelope in a scene inspired by the ancient Greek epic poem the Odyssey by Homer. Faithful servant Euriclea wakes Penelope, bringing news that Penelope’s husband Odysseus has finally returned after ten years fighting in the Trojan War and a perilous ten-year journey home. Kauffman particularly favored the character Penelope, inventing several compositional themes centered on the loyal wife of Odysseus.
History and heritage
In April 1773, Henry Hoare II purchased Penelope and Euriclea and displayed the painting in the Skylight Room, a picture gallery containing some of his finest and favourite works. Henry’s grandson, Sir Richard Colt Hoare was also a collector and his catalogue of pictures records Penelope hanging in the Dining Room in 1822, suggesting that it was still regarded as an important work of art.
A century later, debts and falling income forced Sir Henry Ainslie Hoare to auction off many valuable items from the Stourhead collection. On 2 June 1883, Penelope and Euriclea sold for the modest sum of 7 guineas. After the 1883 sale, Penelope and Euriclea went into private collections and largely disappeared from public view, re-emerging briefly at auction in 1992.
Bringing 'Penelope' home
Earlier this year, Stephen Ponder, National Trust Cultural Heritage Curator, heard that the painting was to be auctioned in New York, on 24 May - in just 12 days’ time.
At Stourhead a key priority is retrieving objects lost in the 1880s sales to share them with visitors. All financial options were explored, and thanks to the generous support of a National Trust fund (set up by the late Simon Sainsbury) and a member of the Hoare family, the conservation charity was able to secure the painting.
Following preliminary conservation work to the frame and canvas by paintings conservator, April Johnson, to prepare the painting for display, it will be on view in the Picture Gallery from Monday 2nd October to Sunday 5th November. The picture will then feature in a wider exploration of Kauffman’s work in 2024.
Article
Things to see inside Stourhead House
Stourhead House was one of the first Palladian-style villas to be built in England. Find out more about the Hoare family's home and why they decided to make this their main residence outside of London.
Article
History of Stourhead House
Discover the fascinating story of Stourhead House in Wiltshire, and find out how different generations of the Hoare family helped to shape it over the years.
Article
Our conservation work at Stourhead
From the Pantheon roof to a rare Axminster carpet, discover how the team at Stourhead have been protecting the past for future generations to enjoy.
Article
Our latest collection acquisitions
Discover some of the most recent acquisitions and the stories behind them, from paintings and objects kindly donated to the National Trust to those purchased with funds raised thanks to the generosity of visitors.