James Harrington
(1611-1677), Political theoristSitter in 11 portraits
Eccentric political theorist whose republican beliefs clashed with his friendship and admiration for Charles I; the King's personal attendant during his imprisonment, he was heartbroken by his execution; his influential The Commonwealth of Oceana (1656) advocated a form of republic to stabilise society while avoiding extreme democracy; his followers, known as the Rota Club, were of some political importance in the years before the Restoration; in his later years went mad, and 'had a fancy that his perspiration turned to flies and sometimes bees'.
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, feigned oval, circa 1635
On display at Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley
NPG 513
after Sir Peter Lely
oil on canvas, based on a work of circa 1658
NPG 4109
after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, mid 18th century
NPG D29114
by Michael Vandergucht, after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, published 1737
NPG D29115
by Michael Vandergucht, after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, published 1737
NPG D19882
by Giuseppe Filippo Liberati ('Joseph') Marchi
mezzotint, 1750s-1790s (circa 1635)
NPG D29112
by Giuseppe Filippo Liberati ('Joseph') Marchi
mezzotint, 1750s-1790s (circa 1635)
NPG D2597
by Giuseppe Filippo Liberati ('Joseph') Marchi
mezzotint, 1750s-1790s (circa 1635)
NPG D2950
by Giuseppe Filippo Liberati ('Joseph') Marchi
mezzotint, 1750s-1790s (circa 1635)
NPG D2951
after Sir Peter Lely, published by William Richardson
etching, published 1799
NPG D29116
by Mary Dawson Turner (née Palgrave), after Sir Peter Lely
etching, 1825 or before
NPG D22575
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