John Dryden (1631-1700), Dramatist and Poet Laureate
Sitter associated with 30 portraits
A poet, dramatist and literary critic, Dryden was appointed Poet Laureate by Charles II in 1668. He wrote over twenty plays, including All for Love (1678), and numerous poems, particularly political satires, such as 'Absalom and Achitophel' (1681), and odes, including the famous 'Ode for St Cecilia's Day'. In 1686 he converted to Roman Catholicism, and at the Revolution of 1688 he was deprived of the laureateship. He devoted the rest of his life largely to translations, notably a verse translation of the works of Virgil.
by John Michael Wright
oil on canvas, circa 1668
On display in Room 7 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 6854
by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on canvas, 1693
NPG 2083
by James Maubert
oil on canvas, circa 1695
On display in the State Bedchamber at Beningbrough Hall
NPG 1133
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
oil on panel, feigned oval, (1698)
NPG 57
by William Faithorne Jr, after John Closterman
mezzotint, (circa 1690)
NPG D1799
by Francis Kyte, after John Closterman
mezzotint, (circa 1690)
NPG D1800
by Francis Kyte, after John Closterman
mezzotint, (circa 1690)
NPG D1801
by George White, published by Thomas Bowles Sr, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
mezzotint, (1698)
NPG D19696
by Jan van der Leuw (Leeuw), after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century (1698)
NPG D30120
by Michael Vandergucht, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century (1693)
NPG D42578
by Jan van der Leuw (Leeuw), after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century (1698)
NPG D42580
by Jan van der Leuw (Leeuw), after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century (1698)
NPG D42581
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, early 18th century (1698)
NPG D42582
by Gérard Edelinck, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, circa 1700 (1698)
NPG D42583
after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, circa 1700 (1693)
NPG D19474
by Gérard Edelinck, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, circa 1700
NPG D20402
by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after John Riley
line engraving, circa 1709 (1683)
NPG D42576
by Pieter Stevens van Gunst, after John Riley
line engraving, circa 1709 (1683)
NPG D42577
by Michael Vandergucht, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, circa 1709 (1693)
NPG D42579
by George Vertue, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
line engraving, 1730 (1698)
NPG D30122
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