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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.

List Thumbnail

4106

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Nicholas Hilliard
watercolour on vellum, circa 1585
NPG 4106

7

Sir Walter Ralegh

attributed to 'H' monogrammist
oil on panel, 1588
NPG 7

3914

Sir Walter Ralegh; Walter Ralegh

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 1602
On display in the Long Gallery at Montacute House
NPG 3914

D22914

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D22914

D25421

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Simon de Passe, published by Compton Holland
line engraving, published 1617
NPG D25421

D27998

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D27998

D27999

Sir Walter Ralegh

printed for Matt. Gillyflower, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D27999

D19398

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D19398

D21166

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Simon de Passe, published by Compton Holland
line engraving, published 1617
NPG D21166

D21167

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Simon de Passe, published by Compton Holland
line engraving, published 1617
NPG D21167

D21168

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Simon de Passe, published by Compton Holland
line engraving, published 1617 (1614)
On display in Room 16 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG D21168

D21169

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D21169

D21173

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D21173

D21174

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D21174

D21176

Sir Walter Ralegh

after Simon de Passe
line engraving, (1617)
NPG D21176

D28000

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Robert Vaughan, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, published 1650 (1617)
NPG D28000

D21170

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Robert Vaughan, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, published 1650 (1617)
NPG D21170

D21171

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Robert Vaughan, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, published 1650 (1617)
NPG D21171

D21172

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Robert Vaughan, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, published 1650 (1617)
NPG D21172

D21175

Sir Walter Ralegh

by Frederick Hendrik van Hove, after Simon de Passe
line engraving, circa 1650-1690 (1617)
NPG D21175

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Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Category
Armed Forces and Intelligence Services
Literature, Journalism and Publishing
Travel and Exploration
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Elizabethan writers
Metaphysical poets
Poets
Soldiers
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Devon
Dorset
London