William Faithorne Collection

King Charles II, 1660-70. Creator: William Faithorne
King Charles II, 1660-70

Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, from an original drawing by Faithhorne; Obit 1709, 1814. Creator: Richard Earlom
Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, from an original drawing by Faithhorne; Obit 1709, 1814. From From "Portraits of characters illustrious in British History from the beginning of the reign of Henry

John Milton, 1760. Creator: Giovanni Battista Cipriani
John Milton, 1760

Mary, Princess of Orange, 1641-50. Creator: William Faithorne
Mary, Princess of Orange, 1641-50

Catherine of Braganza, 1662. Creator: William Faithorne
Catherine of Braganza, 1662

Sir Henry Spelman (Henricus Spelmannus Eques Auratus), 1664. Creator: William Faithorne
Sir Henry Spelman (Henricus Spelmannus Eques Auratus), 1664

King Charles I, ca. 1658 Creator: William Faithorne
King Charles I, ca. 1658

John Milton, (1943). Creator: George Vertue
John Milton, (1943). Portrait of English writer and poet John Milton (1608-1674) aged 62 in 1670, according to the Latin inscription

Prince Rupert. Creator: William Faithorne (British, 1616-1691)
Prince Rupert

Charles I. Creator: William Faithorne (British, 1616-1691)
Charles I

Faithorn, (1616-1691), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Faithorn, (1616-1691), 1830. William Faithorne the Elder (1616-1691) English painter and engraver, exiled to France during the English Civil War and returning to England c1650

Cowley, c1800. Creator: A Smith
Cowley, c1800. Portrait of English poet Abraham Cowley (1618-1667)

William Faithorne, c1800. Artist: Alexander Bannerman
William Faithorne, c1800. Oval portrait of either Willaim Faithorne the Elder, or his son, William Faithorne the Younger. Both were artists and engravers

Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher, c1668 (1894). Artist: William Faithorne
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), English philosopher, c1668 (1894). From A Collection of Engraved Portraits (Further Selection) Exhibited by the Late James Anderson Rose

John Milton, English poet, (1912). Miltons (1608-1674) most famous work is his epic Paradise Lost, first published in 1667. He became totally blind in about 1652

Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 17th century, (c1920). Artist: R White
Sir Orlando Bridgeman, 17th century, (c1920). Portrait of Bridgeman (1609-1674), English jurist, lawyer, and politician. Illustration from Story of the British Nation, Volume II

William Faithorne, 17th century English artist, c1800. Artist: Alexander Bannerman
William Faithorne, 17th century English artist, c1800. Oval portrait of either William Faithorne the Elder (1616-1691), or his son, William Faithorne the Younger (1656-1701)

The Embleme of Englands Distractions, 1658, (1899)
The Embleme of Englands Distraction as also of her attained and further expected Freedom and Happines per H. M. 1658, (1899)

John Milton, English poet, (19th century). Milton (1608-1674), author of Paradise Lost, became totally blind in about 1652

Charles I William Faithorne British 1616-1691
Charles I. William Faithorne (British, 1616-1691). Engraving

John Ogilby, frontispiece to Works of Publius Virgilius Maro, engraved
XJF451352 John Ogilby, frontispiece to Works of Publius Virgilius Maro, engraved by William Faithorne, c.1654 (engraving) by Lely

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William Faithorne was a renowned artist during the reign of King Charles II from 1660 to 1670. He created stunning portraits of notable figures such as John Milton, Mary, Princess of Orange, Catherine of Braganza, Sir Henry Spelman, and even King Charles I himself. His attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects made him highly sought after. One of his most famous works is a portrait of John Milton created in 1760 by Giovanni Battista Cipriani. This masterpiece showcases Faithorne's talent for capturing the likeness and personality of his subjects. Another remarkable piece is a portrait he painted in 1641-1650 depicting Mary, Princess of Orange. The delicate brushstrokes bring out her regal beauty and grace. Faithorne's skill can also be seen in his depiction of Catherine of Braganza in 1662. The intricate details on her gown and jewelry highlight her status as Queen Consort to King Charles II. In addition to these royal portraits, Faithorne also immortalized other influential individuals like Sir Henry Spelman (Henricus Spelmannus Eques Auratus) in 1664. His portrayal captures both the intelligence and authority that defined Spelman's character. Even though some later artists attempted to recreate Faithorne's work, none could match his originality or mastery. George Vertue tried with his rendition of John Milton in 1943 but fell short compared to Faithorne's earlier creation. Prince Rupert was another subject who had the privilege of being captured by William Faithorne himself. This portrait showcases not only Prince Rupert's noble features but also highlights their close relationship as artist and subject. Faithorne even painted multiple portraits depicting Charles I throughout different periods; one such painting dates back approximately around 1658 when he beautifully captured the king's dignified presence.