Oliver Cromwell

Overview
Extended Catalogue Entry

Oliver Cromwell

after Edward Pearce
bronze bust, based on a work of 1672
25 in. (635 mm) high
Purchased, 1877
Primary Collection
NPG 438

Sitterback to top

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), Lord Protector of England. Sitter associated with 224 portraits.

Artistback to top

Edward Pearce (circa 1635-1695), Sculptor. Artist associated with 7 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG 3087: Oliver Cromwell (based on same portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

Piper, David, Catalogue of Seventeenth Century Portraits in the National Portrait Gallery, 1625-1714, 1963, p. 96
Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 156

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1672back to top

Current affairs

Stop of the Exchequer, initiated principally by politician Thomas Clifford, later lord treasurer, causes financial panic as payment of Crown debts are suspended and redirected to fund the military for the ensuing Anglo-Dutch war.
The declaration of indulgence suspends the penal laws against both Catholics and Nonconformists.

Art and science

Physician, Thomas Willis, writes 'De anima brutorum' (The Souls of Brutes), one of the earliest comprehensive publications on neurology and the brain.
Mathematician, Sir Isaac Newton, is made a fellow of the Royal Society. Soon after, he presents to the Society his revolutionary theory of colours.

International

War with Holland. First naval battle at Solebay, during which Admiral Edward Montagu dies, proves inconclusive. However, occupation of Holland by French armies and general success of the English navy, initially overwhelms the Dutch. Amid upheaval, the Dutch rally under their new captain-general, William III, Prince of Orange.

Tell us more back to top

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