NPG 486
Sir Kenelm Digby
by Sir Anthony Van Dyck
circa 1640
NPG 486
The wearing of dress armour in male portraits was fashionable in the seventeenth century, although by 1620 firearms made this type of armour redundant. In a portrait it stresses the sitter's nobility and chivalry. Sir Kenelm (1603-65) was a naval commander, raconteur and scientist, the friend and patron of Van Dyck, and a patron of the poet Ben Jonson. The influence of the Italian Renaissance painter Titian, whom Van Dyck much admired, can be seen in this work.
Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex
Detail from 'The Capel Family'
by Cornelius Johnson, c .1640
NPG 4759 (Detail)
A wide lace trimmed collar covers most of the shoulders of this dark outfit of doublet and breeches. Much linen and lace was to be seen during this time. It was the fashion to leave some buttons undone on the front of the doublet to reveal yet more of the linen shirt.
