Abraham Cowley
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Abraham Cowley
by Sir Peter Lely
oil on canvas, circa 1666-1667
48 in. x 40 in. (1219 mm x 1016 mm)
Purchased, 1961
Primary Collection
NPG 4215
On display at Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley
Artistback to top
- Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait painter. Artist or producer associated with 843 portraits, Sitter in 19 portraits.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 148
Events of 1666back to top
Current affairs
The Great Fire of London starts in a baker's shop in Pudding Lane, destroying two-thirds of the city. Charles II and James, Duke of York personally direct and manually assist with the fire-fighting effort. Thousands are left homeless, though few people die.Art and science
Mathematical scientist, Isaac Newton, formulates a series of groundbreaking theories concerning light, colour, calculus, and, after supposedly watching an apple fall from a tree, the universal law of gravitation.Nicholas Lanier, Master of the King's Music dies and Frenchman Louis Grabu is appointed the post.
International
The Four Days' Battle. Dutch navy led by Admiral Michiel de Ruyter attacks the English fleet under George Monck, Duke of Albemarle, now Joint- Commander-in-Chief with Prince Rupert. Outcome of the battle is indecisive, though England loses twice as many men and ships, severely damaging the fleet.Comments back to top
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See this portrait
On display at Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley