Sir Theodore Turquet de Mayerne
1 portrait
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Theodore Turquet de Mayerne
attributed to Paul van Somer
oil on canvas, feigned oval, 1621 or before
29 3/4 in. x 23 3/4 in. (757 mm x 604 mm)
Purchased, 2000
Primary Collection
NPG 6538
Sitterback to top
- Sir Theodore Turquet de Mayerne (1573-1655), Physician and chemist. Sitter in 12 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Paul van Somer (circa 1576-1621), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 36 portraits.
This portraitback to top
Mayerne's costume, a red robe like a Roman toga, suggests associations with classical antiquity and particularly with the learning of ancient Rome. The inscription around the painting, now partially lost, refers to his position as physician to James I and Charles I, and to his title as seigneur of Aubonne, a property he bought in Switzerland.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Smartify image discovery app
- Edward Chaney and Timothy Wilks, The Jacobean grand tour : early Stuart travellers in Europe, 2014, p. 67
- MacLeod, Catharine (preface, appreciation) Wilks, Timothy (introduction) Smuts, Malcolm (appreciation) MacGibbon, Rab (appendix), The Lost Prince: The Life and Death of Henry Stuart, 2012 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 18 October 2012 to 13 January 2013), p. 162
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 423
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- The Lost Prince: The Life & Death of Henry Stuart (18 October 2012 - 13 January 2013)
- Theodore de Mayerne (24 May 2004 - 26 September 2004)
Events of 1621back to top
Current affairs
Parliament assembles amid fears of Catholicism sweeping Europe. Initially, it enthusiastically supports James I's proposal for diplomatic intervention in Bohemia, however, upon hearing of his considerations towards a Spanish marriage, Parliamentarians adamantly refuse to grant further funds.Lord Chancellor Bacon is found guilty of corruption under revival of judicial impeachments.
Art and science
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden, is founded as a physic garden by Henry Danvers.The appearance of the first newspaper in English, the Corante, translated from a Dutch coranto, promises reports from Europe but is prevented from containing English news under the Star Chamber Decree, 1586.
International
Philip IV of Spain ascends the throne at the age of sixteen.In France, Louis XIII moves to eradicate the rebellion by Huguenots who fear renewed persecution. After several victories, he is forced to abandon his siege of the city of Montauban, a Huguenot stronghold.
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