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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.

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Sir John Harington, by Unknown artist - NPG 3121

Sir John Harington

by Unknown artist
oil on panel, circa 1590-1595
NPG 3121

Sir John Harington, after Thomas Cockson (Coxon) - NPG D31630

Sir John Harington

after Thomas Cockson (Coxon)
line engraving, (1591)
NPG D31630

Sir John Harington, by Thomas Cockson (Coxon) - NPG D25492

Sir John Harington

by Thomas Cockson (Coxon)
line engraving, 1591
NPG D25492

Sir John Harington, after Unknown artist - NPG D25496

Sir John Harington

after Unknown artist
line engraving, early 17th century
NPG D25496

Sir John Harington, printed by G. Miller, after  Unknown artist - NPG D31631

Sir John Harington

printed by G. Miller, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1634 (1 August 1591)
On display in Room 11 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG D31631

Sir John Harington, published by William Richardson - NPG D25495

Sir John Harington

published by William Richardson
line engraving, published 1796
NPG D25495

Sir John Harington, by John Swaine - NPG D25493

Sir John Harington

by John Swaine
line engraving, possibly early 19th century
NPG D25493

Sir John Harington, by William Henry Worthington, published by  W. Walker, after  John Thurston, after a painting attributed to  Hieronimo Custodis - NPG D14663

Sir John Harington

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

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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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