John Donne
(1572-1631), Poet and divineSitter associated with 21 portraits
Originally trained as a lawyer, the poet and cleric Donne, is best known for the passionate and witty metaphysical love poems he wrote in his youth, which include, The Bait and The Flea. A student at Oxford and at the Inns of Court, Donne was raised a Catholic, but in 1615 was ordained a priest in the Church of England by John King, Bishop of London. Thereafter he wrote eloquent religious verse and sermons. He was Chaplain to King James I, and in 1621 was appointed Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. His work became widely celebrated following general publication after his death.
by Unknown English artist
oil on panel, circa 1595
NPG 6790
after Isaac Oliver
oil on canvas, possibly late 17th century, based on a work of 1616
NPG 1849
after Isaac Oliver
line engraving, 17th century
NPG D21407
by Martin Droeshout
line engraving, 1633
NPG D25948
by Pierre Lombart
line engraving, published 1633
NPG D27961
by Pierre Lombart
line engraving, published 1633
NPG D27962
by Matthäus Merian the Younger
line engraving, published 1640
NPG D25950
by Matthäus Merian the Younger
line engraving, published 1640
NPG D25951
by Matthäus Merian the Younger
line engraving, published 1640
NPG D1307
by William Marshall
line engraving, published 1649
NPG D25490
by William Marshall, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1649
NPG D7835
by Pierre Lombart, after Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1651
NPG D21409
Monumental effigy of John Donne
by Wenceslaus Hollar
etching, 1658
NPG D35350
after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1684
NPG D23930
by Cook
line engraving, published 1778
NPG D25947
by William Skelton
line engraving, probably early 19th century
NPG D25949
by Unknown artist
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D35351
by James Peller Malcolm
etching, published 1820
NPG D21118
by Henry Bone, after Unknown artist
pencil drawing squared in ink for transfer, 1824
NPG D17161
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