Portrait in Oil of Robert Harley 1st Earl of Oxford by Sir Godfrey Kneller

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19th Century copy of 18th century portrait of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford, (born 1661, London, died 1724, London). … Read more 19th Century copy of 18th century portrait of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford, (born 1661, London, died 1724, London). He was a British statesman who headed the Tory ministry from 1710 to 1714. Although by birth and education he was a Whig and a Dissenter, he gradually over the years changed his politics becoming the leader of the Tory and Anglican party. Harley was speaker of the House of Commons from 1701 to 1705 and secretary of state from 1704 to 1708. During this period Harley, along with John Churchill, 1st duke of Marlborough, and Lord Treasurer Sidney Godolphin, dominated the government of Queen Anne, becoming her favorite and directed the war against the French (War of the Spanish Succession, 1701–14).
Originally painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller 1st Baronet (1646 –1723). He was the leading portrait painter in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and was court painter to English and British monarchs. The original hangs at the British Museum in London.
Gorgeous color and incredible detail. Reframed in contemporary giltwood frame with thin linen mat. See less