Sir Kenelm Digby
(1603-1665), Naval commander, diplomat and scientistSitter in 24 portraits
A founding fellow of the Royal Society, Digby was a Royalist who served as Chancellor to Queen Henrietta Maria. Due to his social position he was invited to write the Society's first authorised publication, A Discourse Concerning the Vegetation of Plants (1661). However, he began to fall out of step with the approach to scientific enquiry that the Society hoped to promote. His interests lay in alchemy, the attempt to turn base metals into gold, and a 'sympathetic powder', which he claimed could heal a wound by being applied to the weapon that had inflicted it. His prolific writings include an attack on Sir Thomas Browne's Religio Medici, and collections of culinary and medicinal recipes.
by Peter Oliver
watercolour on vellum, 1627
NPG 6274
by Sir Anthony van Dyck
oil on canvas, circa 1640
On display in Room 5 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 486
by Nicolas de Larmessin, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D35202
by Nicolas de Larmessin, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D35203
after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, (1630s)
NPG D16557
after Sir Anthony van Dyck
red chalk, (circa 1633)
NPG D20383
by Robert van Voerst, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, circa 1636
NPG D27874
by Robert van Voerst, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, circa 1636
NPG D19100
by Robert van Voerst, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, circa 1636
NPG D16555
by Robert van Voerst, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
line engraving, circa 1636
NPG D16556
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1645
NPG D2274
after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1645
NPG D2275
by Richard Gaywood, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
etching, 1654
NPG D16450
by Thomas Cross
line engraving, published 1668-1669
NPG D27873
by Thomas Cross, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1668-1669
NPG D16558
possibly by Michael Burghers
line engraving, possibly late 17th century
NPG D27872
by Michael Burghers
line engraving, 1674
NPG D25544
after Peter Oliver
etching, mid 18th century
NPG D27871
after Peter Oliver
etching, mid 18th century (1627)
NPG D16559
after Peter Oliver
etching, mid 18th century (1627)
NPG D16560
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