Historic Oil Painting Sir Walter Raleigh Follower Hans Holbein

Historic antique English medium oil painting on wood portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh Follower of Hans Holbein. Title “Portrait Sir Walter Raleigh” English Poet, Courtier, Adventurer and Explorer. Bring home a true piece of history with this stunning antique oil painting of Sir Walter Raleigh, a legendary figure of the Elizabethan era. Executed in the refined, formal style reminiscent of Hans Holbein the Younger, this piece radiates Tudor elegance and Renaissance detail — perfect for collectors of fine art, period décor, or English heritage. Subject portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh shown in half length front profile view. Raleigh is depicted wearing a richly detailed Elizabethan clothing with his red doublet coat with a lace ruff collar with a plume feather in his black hat. He has such a strong visual presence with his lifelike gaze and soft, rosy cheeks, goat beard and moustache, meticulous brushwork. Painted in the style of Tudor portraiture, follower of Hans Holbein the Younger who was renowed for his court portraits. Unsigned, English school artist. Enhances this painting even further, with hanging thread on the back ready for immediate home display. Sir Walter Raleigh c.1553 – 29 October 1618) was an English statesman, soldier, writer and explorer. One of the most notable figures of the Elizabethan era, A towering figure in England’s golden age, he was an explorer of the New World, famed for introducing tobacco and potatoes to Europe, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. His adventurous life and tragic end have captured imaginations for centuries — and this portrait perfectly embodies that legendary legacy. He played a leading part in English colonisation of North America, suppressed rebellion in Ireland, helped defend England against the Spanish Armada and held political positions under Elizabeth I. Raleigh was born to a landed gentry family of Protestant faith in Devon, the son of Walter Raleigh and Catherine Champernowne. He was the younger half-brother of Sir Humphrey Gilbert and a cousin of Sir Richard Grenville. Little is known of his early life, though in his late teens he spent some time in France taking part in the religious civil wars. In his 20s he took part in the suppression of rebellion in the colonisation of Ireland; he also participated in the siege of Smerwick. Later, he became a landlord of property in Ireland and mayor of Youghal in east Munster, where his house still stands in Myrtle Grove. He rose rapidly in the favour of Queen Elizabeth I and was knighted in 1585. He was granted a royal patent to explore Virginia, paving the way for future English settlements. In 1591, he secretly married Elizabeth Throckmorton, one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, without the Queen's permission, for which he and his wife were sent to the Tower of London. After his release, they retired to his estate at Sherborne, Dorset. In 1594, Raleigh heard of a "City of Gold" in South America and sailed to find it, publishing an exaggerated account of his experiences in a book that contributed to the legend of "El Dorado". After Queen Elizabeth died in 1603, Raleigh was again imprisoned in the Tower, this time for being involved in the Main Plot against King James I, who was not favourably disposed towards him. In 1616, he was released to lead a second expedition in search of El Dorado. During the expedition, men led by his top commander sacked a Spanish outpost, in violation of both the terms of his pardon and the 1604 peace treaty with Spain. Raleigh returned to England and, to appease the Spanish, he was arrested and executed in 1618. Hans Holbein the Younger c. 1497– between 7 October and 29 November 1543) was a German-Swiss painter and printmaker who worked in a Northern Renaissance style, and is considered one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century. He also produced religious art, satire, and Reformation propaganda, and he made a significant contribution to the history of book design. He is called "the Younger" to distinguish him from his father Hans Holbein the Elder, an accomplished painter of the Late Gothic school. Perfect For: Traditional Homes & Libraries. Historical Interiors & Study Walls. Fine Art Collectors & Period Enthusiasts. Museum-Style Display or Gallery Installations. Provenance private southern shire collection, labels verso, high end southern shire auction, Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd & museum exhibited. We only select & sell paintings based upon subject, quality and significance. We provide our clients with friendly professional customer service. Viewings are welcome by appointment only for customer support please send a message thank you. Checkout our exciting other Fine Arts, antiques & collectibles available in our shop gallery.