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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, 1629

Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, 1629

Following the restoration of the Arundel title by King James I, Thomas Howard (1585–1646) rose to become one of King Charles I’s most trusted courtiers. His impact on English art was considerable; he owned the first major collection of classical antiquities in London, collections admired by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.

This portrait was painted in 1629 when Rubens was in London on a diplomatic mission. Howard wears the sash of the Order of the Garter and a gleaming suit of armour, befitting his status as Earl Marshal. The vitality and dynamism of Rubens’ technique astounded English patrons, and his brief presence in London paved the way for his most talented protégé, Anthony van Dyck, to be appointed court painter to King Charles I in 1632.

National Portrait Gallery, London Purchased, 1929
© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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