Sir Thomas Chaloner

Sitterback to top

• Sir Thomas Chaloner (1521-1565), Diplomat. Sitter associated with 4 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown Flemish artist. Artist of 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This unusual portrait shows Chaloner in contemplation of the brevity of human life. He holds a pair of scales in his right hand which are weighted on the side of the blazing book (a symbol of intellect and learning) against the riches of the world, shown on the other side. He is also clicking the fingers of his left hand to emphasise that life passes as quickly as a finger snap. The Latin inscription refers to Sardanapalus, the legendary exemplum of the vice of intemperance.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 1274: Sir Thomas Chaloner (after)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Cooper, Tarnya, Searching for Shakespeare (hardback), 2006 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 2 March - 29 May 2006), p. 35
• Cooper, Tarnya, Searching for Shakespeare, 2006 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 2 March - 29 May 2006), p. 35
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 112
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 45

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Books and libraries
• Words and inscriptions