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Owen MacSwinny (or Swinny)

1 of 22 portraits by Peter van Bleeck

Owen MacSwinny (or Swinny), by Peter van Bleeck, probably 18th century, based on a work of 1737 -NPG 1417 - © National Portrait Gallery, London

© National Portrait Gallery, London

Early Georgian Portraits Catalogue

Owen MacSwinny (or Swinny)

after Peter van Bleeck
probably 18th century, based on a work of 1737
30 1/4 in. x 25 1/8 in. (768 mm x 638 mm)
NPG 1417

This portraitback to top

This appears to be a copy, probably 18th century, after Van Bleeck's painting, known only from his mezzotint of 1749 inscribed Peter van Bleeck Pinxt 1737. In the mezzotint the sitter's hand rests on a cane instead of the book.

Physical descriptionback to top

Pale grey-brown eyes, grey brows, pale complexion with pink flush on cheeks and forehead, white hair; dark grey hat, white cravat hanging over lace collar, white cuffs, dark reddish-brown coat over red waistcoat, red cloak; a book under his left hand; dark brown background.

Conservationback to top

Small retouchings to the face have discoloured, particularly upper left.

Provenanceback to top

Bequeathed, 1905, by Captain George Bramwell; previous history unknown.

Reproductionsback to top

The type engraved by P. Van Bleeck.


This extended catalogue entry is from the out-of-print National Portrait Gallery collection catalogue: John Kerslake, Early Georgian Portraits, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1977, and is as published then. For the most up-to-date details on individual Collection works, we recommend reading the information provided in the Search the Collection results on this website in parallel with this text.

View all known portraits for Owen MacSwinny (or Swinny)