Henry Pierce Bone (British, 1779-1855), after Mary Beale (British, 1633-1699) Abraham Cowley (1618-1667), wearing brown cloak with crimson lining and white chemise, his natural wavy locks worn to his shoulders
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Henry Pierce Bone (British, 1779-1855) after Mary Beale (British, 1633-1699)
Abraham Cowley (1618-1667), wearing brown cloak with crimson lining and white chemise, his natural wavy locks worn to his shoulders.
Enamel, the counter-enamel signed and inscribed Cowley/ London Feb.y 1841 Painted by/ Henry Pierce Bone Enamel/ Painter to her Majesty & H.R.H./ Prince Albert, The Queen Dowager/ & H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent/ From the Original by Mary/ Beale In the Gallery of/ Earl Spencer. Althorp/ Northamptonshire., unframed; together with the backing board from the original frame with label signed Cowley/ after Mrs Beale/ Enamel/ H. P. Bone/ 22 Percy Street/ Bedford Square.
Oval, 152mm (6in) high (2)
Estimate:
£600 - 800
€710 - 950
US$ 910 - 1,200

Footnotes

  • Abraham Cowley was one of the leading English poets and playwrights of the 17th century. He was something of a child prodigy, showing a passion for words at a very early age. As a Royalist, he was expelled from Trinity College in Cambridge by Parliamentarians and then became a confidant to the Royal family through a friendship with Lord Falkland, eventually following Queen Henrietta Maria (1609-1669) to Paris. During their exile, Cowley undertook several dangerous journeys to Jersey, Scotland, Flanders and the Netherlands transporting letters on behalf of and between the King and Queen with loyal speed and the utmost secrecy.

    Shortly after his return to England, Cowley was seized in a case of mistaken identity and only obtained his freedom upon a bail of £1000. Upon Cromwell's death in 1658, Cowley returned to Paris, where he remained until the Restoration brought him back in the King's train. Cowley spent the remainder of his life in solitude, emmersed in botany and books. His 1661 pamphlet 'The Advancement of Experimental Philosophy' preceded the foundation of the Royal Society. The poet is buried at Westminster Abbey beside Chaucer and Spenser.

Category: Fine Art / Portrait Miniatures

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