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Jeremy Bentham

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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Philosopher, political theorist and social critic; he was committed to the utilitarian belief in the 'greatest happiness' principle. Promoting a secular version of utilitarianism he advocated that fulfilment could be achieved through the rigorous investigation of human nature. His work had an important impact upon judicial organisation and civil law and the reform of the penal system.
This portrait shows Bentham at the age of about thirteen, by which time he had already been admitted to Oxford University. He was to become the youngest man ever to graduate. The boy's precocious talents are alluded to through the university robe he wears, and the verses on the table, which he had written on the accession of King George III.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Jeremy Bentham

Date

1760–1762

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 180.5 x W 120.5 cm

Accession number

196

Acquisition method

Given by Sir John Bowring, 1865

Work type

Painting

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National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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