English painter. He was a favoured portraitist of the Parliamentarian leaders during the Commonwealth and Protectorate (1649-1658), working mostly for Oliver Cromwell and his immediate circle. He is noted for his austere and direct portraits, relying heavily on van Dyck’s portrait formulas. He was also influenced by Italian painting. He also was a successful copyist of Italian masters.
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) and John Lambert (1619-1683) were two of the leading Generals in the Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War. They fought together at Marston Moor and, as rising stars of both the military and political leadership of the Parliamentarians, served together as commissioners at the surrender of Oxford in 1646.
This is the only known double portrait of Cromwell with another leading Parliamentarian.
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was an English military and political leader and later Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Richard Deane (1610-1653) was a General at Sea, major-general and regicide. He supported the Parliamentary cause in the English Civil War.
The sitter of this portrait of a gentleman in armour is possibly Colonel Sir William Rooke (1624-1690) of St Lawrence, Canterbury. A Royalist, who was imprisoned under the Commonwealth for his loyalty to the King, Sir William was appointed Colonel of a regiment of foot and Captain of a troop of horse after the Restoration.
