Portret van Charles Spurgeon 1840 - 1877

William Turner Davey produced this print of Charles Spurgeon sometime in the 19th century. It offers us a glimpse into the visual culture surrounding celebrity preachers in Victorian England. Spurgeon was a phenomenon. His sermons drew massive crowds, facilitated by the expanding railway networks, and were widely distributed in print. This image, likely a lithograph or steel engraving, speaks to the burgeoning market for portraits of public figures. The oval format, reminiscent of classical cameos, lends Spurgeon an air of timeless authority. But the somber attire and serious expression also align him with a particular brand of non-conformist piety. Was this image aimed at solidifying his base or expanding his appeal? To understand the image better, we might delve into the archives of religious publishers, explore the periodical press of the era, and examine the marketing strategies employed by Spurgeon himself. Only then can we appreciate the full social life of this portrait.