Sir John Harington
(baptised 1560-1612), Wit and writer; translator of 'Orlando Furioso'Sitter in 10 portraits
Described by Elizabeth I as 'that saucy poet, my godson', Harington is known particularly for his translation of Ariosto's Orlando Furioso (1591), written at the command of the Queen. Among his other publications were a number of satirical works, including The Metamorphosis of Ajax (1596), on the subject of water closets. A disparaging remark about the late Earl of Leicester in the latter text led to Harington's banishment from court.
by Unknown artist
oil on panel, circa 1590-1595
NPG 3121
after Thomas Cockson (Coxon)
line engraving, (1591)
NPG D31630
by Thomas Cockson (Coxon)
line engraving, 1591
NPG D25492
after Unknown artist
line engraving, early 17th century
NPG D25496
Sir John Harington in the title page to his translation of Ariosto's 'Orlando Furioso'
after Unknown artist
line engraving, 1634
NPG D25494
published by William Richardson
line engraving, published 1796
NPG D25495
by John Swaine
line engraving, possibly early 19th century
NPG D25493
by William Henry Worthington, published by W. Walker, after John Thurston, after a painting attributed to Hieronimo Custodis
line engraving, published 1 January 1822
NPG D14663
Henry, Prince of Wales; Sir John Harington
by R. Clamp, published by Edward Evans, after Silvester (Sylvester) Harding, after Robert Peake the Elder
stipple engraving, published 1796 (1603)
NPG D19732
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