Portrait of a Gentleman, Dated 1646

Oil on canvas.

An inscription on verso states the sitter in this very early bust length portrait as Doctor John Williams (1582-1650) who was Archbishop of York and was a British clergyman and political advisor to King James I. He served as Bishop of Lincoln (1621-1641), Keeper of The Great Seal also Lord Chancellor (1621-1625) and Archbishop of York from 1641-1650. He was the last Archbishop to serve as Lord Chancellor.

Williams was aged 63 (Aetatus 63) when the portrait was painted in 1646 (dated upper right). His silk clothing is an indication of his wealth and status and the black dramatically accentuates the face and is a characteristic feature of portraiture of this period. In a period when black was fashionable portraitists strived to depict the subtle nuances of the colour and texture. This is an intimate and compelling example of early English portraiture with very good provenance. In a Dutch 17th century style ebonised frame with gilt slip.

Provenance: Property of titled Lady (England),

Suffolk Antique Connection (14 Oct 1993)

Measurements: Height 77cm, Width 71cm framed (Height 30.25”, Width 28” framed)

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