Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1646–1723, German, active in Britain (from 1676)
Title:
Henry Portman Seymour
Date:
1714
Materials & Techniques:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
49 x 39 inches (124.5 x 99.1 cm)
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Accession Number:
B1981.25.387
Gallery Label:
The German-born Sir Godfrey Kneller was the most prolific and influential artist in Britain from his arrival in London in 1676 until his death nearly fifty years later. This characteristic portrait represents Henry Portman, a Tory member of Parliament, and was probably painted to celebrate his marriage in 1714 to Meliora Fitch, the wealthy daughter of a neighboring squire in Dorset. Portman was then seventy-seven, Fitch just fourteen. The mismatch attracted sardonic comment, which perhaps explains why Portman wears armor and stands in a military camp. These imply his continued vigor, despite his advanced years, as well as being symbolic of virtue and public service. Gallery label for installation of YCBA collection, 2016