Sir Walter Ralegh (1552-1618), Soldier, sailor, poet and writer
Sitter associated with 47 portraits
A poet, explorer, soldier, sailor, courtier and favourite of Elizabeth I, Ralegh was a true 'Renaissance Man'. Much of his literary work is lost but about thirty short poems and various prose works survive, including The History of the World. He organised and financed a number of expeditions to North America and in later life made several unsuccessful attempts to find gold in South America. Ralegh was accused of plotting against James I and spent much of his reign in the Tower. He was executed for treason in 1618.
ENGLAND'S WORTHIES. The Lives of the Most Eminent Persons from CONSTANTINE to This Present time
after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1684
NPG D23930
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1735
NPG D25418
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D27997
by William Sharp, published by George Kearsley
line engraving, possibly late 18th century
NPG D25420
by William Sharp
line engraving, possibly late 18th century
NPG D28002
by Anthony Walker
line engraving, mid to late 18th century
NPG D28003
after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, late 18th or early 19th century
NPG D7672
by James Barry
etching, published 1792 (1 May 1791)
NPG D14598
by Philipp Audinet, after George Vertue
line engraving, 1794 (1735)
NPG D25419
by Robert Cooper, published by Charles Baldwyn
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D28001
by Henry Chawnes Shenton, published by T. Gosden, after John Masey Wright
line engraving, circa 1825-1850
NPG D1209
by James Posselwhite
stipple engraving, published 1836
NPG D5577
by James Posselwhite
stipple engraving, published 1836
NPG D5579
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D39187
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D39188
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D39189
Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Category
Armed Forces and Intelligence Services
Literature, Journalism and Publishing
Travel and Exploration
Groups
Elizabethan writers
Metaphysical poets
Poets
Soldiers
Writers and critics
Places
Devon
Dorset
London
Exhibitions and displays
- Treason, Plots and Murder
From 26 May
















