Jacobus Houbraken, Portrait of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, Print

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Antique portrait titled 'Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford'. Old print of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593-1641)was a powerful … Read more Antique portrait titled 'Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford'. Old print of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593-1641)was a powerful statesman. He initially supported Parliament but was won over by Charles I. As President of the Council of the North (1628), and Lord-Deputy of Ireland (1632), he established a reputation for vigorous and efficient administration. As chief advisor to the King, 1639-41, he urged strong measures to control Parliament and obtain funds for a war against the Scots. Seen as a threat to Parliament, a bill of attainder was passed against him and the King reluctantly agreed to his execution. It was a political and moral blunder for which Charles never forgave himself. This print originates from Thomas Birch's 'The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain'. The portraits featured in the series, which were engraved by Jacob Houbraken and George Vertue, were originally issued from 1737 onwards in portfolios of four portraits. Between 1743 and 1752, the series was published by John and Paul Knapton in London in the form of Birch's The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, and contained biographies alongside the portraits. The number of plates included varied from edition to edition. Although the majority contained 108 plates, some editions contained as many as 120. Houbraken was responsible for producing a large proportion of the portraits, with Vertue only engraving around seven. The ornamental surroundings featured on the plates were engraved prior to the portraits, and were done so by Hubert-François Gravelot. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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