Henry Purcell

Sitterback to top

• Henry Purcell (1659-1695), Composer. Sitter associated with 11 portraits.

Artistback to top

• John Closterman (1660-1711). Artist associated with 62 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This is the only known portrait drawing of Purcell, and the earliest drawing of an English composer to survive. The sketch was almost certainly taken from life and at one time belonged to the eighteenth-century musicologist Dr Charles Burney.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, Later Stuart Portraits 1685-1714, 2009, p. 233
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 508