Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
(circa 1485-1540), StatesmanSitter associated with 28 portraits
Cromwell rose to power as Cardinal Wolsey's right-hand man, later becoming principal secretary and chief minister to Henry VIII. He was a brilliant administrator and evangelical reformer, ruthlessly pursuing the dissolution of the monasteries. He was one of the architects of the king's break from the Roman Catholic Church, suggesting in 1520 that Henry become 'supreme head' of the Church of England in order to allow divorce proceedings against his first wife Katherine of Aragon. He later negotiated Henry's fourth marriage to Anne of Cleves, and was created Earl in 1540. However, the failure of the king's marriage and accusations of treason by his powerful enemies led to his execution.
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton, after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D42900
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton, after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, published 1739
NPG D20420
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, possibly 1748
NPG D24210
Unknown sitter formerly known as Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1811
NPG D1869
Unknown sitter formerly known as Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1811
NPG D1870
Unknown sitter formerly known as Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1811
NPG D1872
Unknown sitter formerly known as Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by Richard Earlom, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, published 1811
NPG D1871
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
by William Holl Sr, published by Lackington, Allen & Co, and published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown, after Robert William Satchwell, after Hans Holbein the Younger
line engraving, published 1 September 1815 (circa 1533-1534)
NPG D36565
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