Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
(1571-1631), AntiquarySitter associated with 13 portraits
Founder of the Cottonian Library, the single greatest resource of literature in Old English and Middle English, which now resides at the British Library. Educated at Westminster School and Jesus College, Cambridge, Cotton became interested in antiquarian studies under his tutor, William Camden, and began to form a library. He entered Parliament in 1601 where he advised James I and Charles I. With a set of records that surpassed that of the government, his library was used extensively by parliamentarians and scholars. Cotton's anti-royalist politics led the authorities to fear the uses of his library and in 1630 it was confiscated and returned to his heirs only after his death.
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
oil on canvas, 17th-19th century, based on a work of 1629
On display at Lyme Park, Stockport
NPG 534
Unknown man, formerly known as Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, feigned oval, probably 18th century
NPG 4270
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Thomas Cross, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1655
NPG D28023
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Thomas Cross, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1655
NPG D33597
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Thomas Cross, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1655
NPG D33596
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Robert White
line engraving, published 1696 (1629)
NPG D28024
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Robert White, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1696 (1629)
NPG D33598
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Robert White, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1696 (1629)
NPG D18624
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by Robert White, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, published 1696 (1629)
NPG D18800
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by James Tookey, after Cornelius Johnson (Cornelius Janssen van Ceulen)
line engraving, mid to late 18th century
NPG D28025
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1744
NPG D28026
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1744
NPG D34163
Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, 1st Bt
by George Vertue, after Paul van Somer
engraving, published 1744
NPG D19167
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