Who painted Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680)?

Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) was painted by Peter Lely in 1659.

Where can I see Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680)?

Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680)?

Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680)

Peter Lely , 1659

Thomas, 6th of Earl of Ossory (1634-1680) is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Lely. It dates from 1659 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The oil portrait, executed circa 1659, presents Thomas, the sixth Earl of Ossory (1634–1680).

About this work

Overview

The oil portrait, executed circa 1659, presents Thomas, the sixth Earl of Ossory (1634–1680). He is shown in formal dress, his dark leather jacket and lace collar framing a composed expression. A sword rests in his right hand while his left arm leans on a chair, set against a muted background that concentrates attention on his face and attire.

Subject & Meaning

Thomas, a member of the Irish aristocracy, is depicted in the trappings of his rank, the sword symbolising his martial responsibilities. The restrained pose and sober lighting convey the dignified bearing expected of a nobleman in the mid‑seventeenth century, emphasizing status and personal virtue rather than overt display.

Technique & Style

The work reflects the Flemish Baroque influence that permeated English portraiture of the period. Lely employs a limited palette of deep shadows and illuminated flesh tones, creating a chiaroscuro effect that models the figure. Fine brushwork renders the lace collar and leather texture, while the dark backdrop isolates the sitter, a hallmark of courtly portraiture.

History & Provenance

Painted by Sir Peter Lely, a Dutch‑born artist who established himself as the foremost portraitist to the English court, the piece later entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. Lely, knighted shortly before his death in 1680, left a substantial legacy of aristocratic portraiture, of which this earl’s likeness is a representative example.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Lely

Sir Peter Lely (Dutch: ; 14 September 1618 – 30 November 1680) was a painter of Dutch origin whose career was nearly all spent in England, where he became the dominant portrait painter to the court.