First Previous 1 OF 5 NextLast

Thomas Hobson

1 of 5 portraits of Thomas Hobson

© National Portrait Gallery, London

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Buy a print Buy a greetings card Make a donation Close

Thomas Hobson

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 17th century? based on a work on 1629
31 3/8 in. x 24 7/8 in. (797 mm x 632 mm)
Purchased, 1923
Primary Collection
NPG 1972

Sitterback to top

  • Thomas Hobson (1544?-1631), The Cambridge Carrier and perpetrator of 'Hobson's choice'. Sitter in 5 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Unknown artist, Artist. Artist or producer associated with 6578 portraits.

This portraitback to top

It is often assumed that having a portrait painted was solely the privilege of the aristocratic elite. But in the second half of the sixteenth-century, a painted portrait was a realistic aspiration for a middle-class that included merchants, lawyers, doctors and writers. This portrait represents the successful Cambridge businessman Thomas Hobson who ran a mail service and livery stable transporting goods and passengers. He became rich hiring out horses to people travelling to London. He insisted that his customers rented either 'this one or none', giving rise to the phrase 'Hobson's choice' by which he is now primarily remembered.

Linked publicationsback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Events of 1629back to top

Current affairs

In Parliament, opponents of Charles I issue a protestation condemning his policies; Charles subsequently orders the Speaker, Sir John Finch, to adjourn Parliament, and after much turmoil, the House is dissolved. Charles I would now govern for eleven years without recourse to Parliament, known as his Personal Rule.

Art and science

Apothcary and herbalist, John Parkinson publishes Paradisi in sole paradisus terrestris, the first published book on British gardening, describing over 1000 plants. In dedicating it to the queen, Henrietta Maria, Parkinson is given the title, botanicus regius primarius by Charles I.

International

Philip IV of Spain sends Dutch painter, Sir Peter Paul Rubens as
an emissary to open peace negotiations with England. His mission is hailed a success by both countries. While in England he painted several portraits, including Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel.
The Treaty of Suza ends the Anglo-French conflict.

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.