Oliver Cromwell

Set in a feigned oval, this half-length portrait of Oliver Cromwell is an idealised depiction based on earlier paintings by the artists Peter Lely and Abraham Cooper. A member of parliament who became Lord Protector of Great Britain, Cromwell became famous for leading a revolt against the monarchy which ended with the execution of Charles I.

During the 17th century, Cromwell was depicted by various contemporary artists and he commissioned portraits by the artist Robert Walker. After his death in 1658, he continued to excite interest among artists, as this posthumous portrait indicates. The armour recalls Cromwell's success in various Civil War battles and his characteristic plain collar alludes to his puritanical up-bringing. While half his face is illuminated by light, the other half is shrouded in darkness, highlighting his profile.