caption

Unknown Artist, Called Admiral Sir Roger Townshend (c.1544–1590)

Photo courtesy of Tom St Aubyn (All rights reserved)

Details

Country House
Raynham Hall
Title(s)
Called Admiral Sir Roger Townshend (c.1544–1590)
Date
c.1600
Location
The Music Room
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Overall height: 66 cm, Overall width: 50 cm
Artist
Unknown Artist
Catalogue Number
RN24

Description

This portrait does not seem to depict Sir Roger Townshend, the person identified traditionally as the sitter. Sir Roger died in 1590, whereas the style of the ruff worn in this picture dates from about a decade later. There are aspects of this picture which are reminiscent of the work of John de Critz and Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger but a subsequent campaign of restoration makes it difficult to form a conclusion. A clue to the true identity of the sitter is given in the medal that is worn round his neck and which can just be seen beneath his left hand where the letters ‘ERE’ (possibly ‘ERL’) can just be made out.

by Edward Town

Bibliography

Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, Portraits in Norfolk Houses, ed. Rev. Edmund Farrer, vol. 2, Norwich : Jarrold and Sons, 1928, vol. 2, p. 232, no. 41 (‘MAN’)


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