Who painted Sir Robert Worsley?

Sir Robert Worsley was painted by John Greenhill in 1669.

Where can I see Sir Robert Worsley?

Sir Robert Worsley is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Sir Robert Worsley?

Sir Robert Worsley is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Sir Robert Worsley

John Greenhill , 1669

Sir Robert Worsley is a drawing by the Baroque artist John Greenhill. It dates from 1669 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This black-and-white drawing shows a man with curly hair and a serious expression. He’s wearing a ruffled collar and a dark coat. The lines are smooth, focusing on his face and shoulders.

The label says it’s from 1669 and was made by an English artist. The style looks polished, with careful shading to show his features.

Check out Baroque for more art from this bold, dramatic period.

Overview

This 1669 pastel drawing on grey-brown paper portrays Sir Robert Worsley, third Baronet of Apuldercombe and MP for Newton (1666-1676), in a formal, serious demeanor.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by his title and parliamentary role, is depicted with a ruffled collar and dark coat, conveying his social status. His serious expression may reflect his professional persona.

Technique & Style

Executed by an English artist, the drawing features smooth lines, polished technique, and careful shading to emphasize the subject's facial and shoulder details, characteristic of refined portrait drawing of the period.

History & Provenance

Originally part of a pair with his wife's portrait (now at the Huntington Museum), both were owned by Sir John Tollemache until 1953, later entering Sir Bruce Ingram's collection after a Christie's sale.

Context

Created during the Baroque period, though the drawing's style is more subdued than the era's typical dramatic flair, suggesting a tailored approach to portraiture for the British aristocracy.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Greenhill

John Greenhill was an English portrait painter, a pupil of Peter Lely, who approached his teacher in artistic excellence, but whose life was cut short by a dissolute lifestyle.