National Portrait Gallery - Person - John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester (1647-1680), Poet and libertine

Sitter in 6 portraits
A poet and courtier, Rochester's satirical wit and licentiousness alternately fascinated and enraged Charles II, who dismissed him from court at least once a year. He is best known for his amorous lyrics, biting satires and obscene fantasies; fickle patron of poets and dramatists, including Dryden.

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John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, circa 1665-1670
On display in Room 7 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 804

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

by Robert White, after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, late 17th century
NPG D29490

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

after Sir Peter Lely
line engraving, 18th century
NPG D29491

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

by William Nelson Gardiner, published by E. & S. Harding, after Silvester Harding, after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, published 1 October 1794 (circa 1665-1670)
NPG D20284

John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

by Edward Scriven, published by James Carpenter, published by William Richard Beckford Miller, after Sir Peter Lely
stipple engraving, published 1810
NPG D29489