Geoffrey Chaucer
(1340?-1400), PoetSitter in 23 portraits
The son of a London vintner, Chaucer spent much of his life in the service of the crown. His poetry reflects the influence of the countries to which he was sent on various missions. The period of French influence lasted from 1359-72; that of Italian, in which he was influenced by Boccaccio whom he met, from 1372-86; and finally his mature style which lasted from 1386 to his death in 1400. It was during this period that he wrote The Canterbury Tales, the first book published by printing press in England.
after Unknown artist
oil on panel, late 16th century, based on a work of 1400
NPG 532
by Robert Vaughan
line engraving, probably 17th century
NPG D24079
'The progenie of Geffrey Chaucer' (Geoffrey Chaucer)
by Unknown engraver
etching, 1602
NPG D19333
after Unknown artist
woodcut, published 1684
NPG D23930
by George Vertue
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D24073
after Unknown artist
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24076
published by John Hinton
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D24078
by George Naylor
mezzotint, 18th century
NPG D20206
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, 1717
NPG D32930
'Worthies of Britain' (Edmund Spenser; Geoffrey Chaucer; John Fletcher; Francis Beaumont)
by Francis Kyte, printed and sold by John Bowles
mezzotint, circa 1725-1745
NPG D20292
'Poets and Philosophers of England'
by John Simon
mezzotint, mid 18th century
NPG D41665
'Poets and Philosophers of England'
by John Simon
mezzotint, mid 18th century
NPG D3192
by George Vertue
engraving, engraved 1728
NPG D19317
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, 1737
NPG D33018
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, 1737
NPG D33019
by George Vertue, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1737
NPG D16238
by Jacobus Houbraken
line engraving, published 1741
NPG D24074
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, published 1741 (1741)
NPG D42919
by Joseph Collyer the Younger
line engraving, published 1774
NPG D24075
after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, possibly early 19th century
NPG D24077
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