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Portrait of Thomas Hobbes

Stare into the eyes of Thomas Hobbes with this exquisite Samuel Cooper portrait from 1660; own a piece of Baroque miniature history.

Samuel Cooper (1609-1672) was England's most celebrated 17th-century miniaturist, known for his lifelike portraits of royalty & prominent figures like Cromwell & Pepys. Baroque style, exceptional detail, and musical talent defined his legacy.

Giclée / Kunsttryk

Giclée- eller lærredstryk i museumskvalitet med hurtig produktion og fleksible muligheder for finish. (Køb håndlavet maleri Køb håndlavet maleriSkift til digitalt billede Skift til digitalt billede)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standardstørrelse
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Vælg mellem vores forudindstillede størrelser, der matcher kunstværkets originale proportioner.

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Du kan indtaste dine egne mål for at passe til en specifik ramme eller et bestemt område. Hvis den valgte størrelse ikke stemmer overens med det originale billedes proportioner, vil vi enten beskære kunstværket eller udvide billedet med en spejlet eller ensfarvet kant. En digital mockup vil blive sendt til din godkendelse, før produktionen påbegyndes.
Bemærk venligst, at forhåndsvisningen på skærmen ikke afspejler den faktiske beskæring eller udvidelse. Kun mockuppen vil nøjagtigt vise den endelige komposition.
Selvom specialmål er tilgængelige, anbefaler vi at vælge et mål fra den foruddefinerede liste for at bevare de originale proportioner.

Verdensomspændende levering () på 2 uger i stedet for de sædvanlige 4/5 uger. (10 september)

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Samlet pris

$ 81

reproduction

Portrait of Thomas Hobbes

Giclée / Kunsttryk

Størrelse på reproduktion

-

Samlet pris

$ 81

Hurtige fakta

  • Medium: Painting (likely oil)
  • Artistic style: Baroque Miniature
  • Artist: Samuel Cooper
  • Subject or theme: Thomas Hobbes portrait
  • Year: 1660

Kunstquiz

Der er kun ét korrekt svar på hvert spørgsmål.

Spørgsmål 1:
What is the primary subject of Samuel Cooper’s ‘Portrait of Thomas Hobbes’?
Spørgsmål 2:
According to the description, what was a significant event that influenced Samuel Cooper's artistic career?
Spørgsmål 3:
What is the approximate size of Samuel Cooper’s ‘Portrait of Thomas Hobbes’?
Spørgsmål 4:
The description mentions that Thomas Hobbes was a royalist. What does this suggest about his political views?
Spørgsmål 5:
What medium did Samuel Cooper primarily use to create this portrait?

A Glimpse into Enlightenment Intellect: Portrait of Thomas Hobbes

To gaze upon this miniature portrait is to encounter not merely a likeness, but a moment suspended in the intellectual fervor of the late seventeenth century. Samuel Cooper’s depiction of Thomas Hobbes captures the gravity and sharp acuity of a mind that fundamentally reshaped political thought. The subject, in his later years, possesses an undeniable presence; turned slightly yet meeting the viewer's gaze with piercing directness, he seems to challenge the observer to consider the very foundations of order and governance. The meticulous rendering of his thin gray hair and distinguished mustache speaks volumes about a life lived under intense scrutiny—the kind that accompanies genius.

The Mastery of Miniature Technique

Cooper’s unparalleled skill is immediately apparent in the delicate handling of paint, particularly evident in the subtle gradation of tones used for the skin and the crisp definition around the collar. While the overall composition suggests a formal portrait, the execution speaks to the intimacy of the miniature form. The background, rendered in a rich blue wash against which the figure is set, serves to push the subject forward, granting him an almost sculptural dimensionality despite the small scale (7 x 6 cm). This piece exemplifies Cooper’s celebrated ability to capture profound character within such constrained dimensions, transforming what could be a mere likeness into a lasting testament to human intellect.

Historical Echoes and Intellectual Weight

The date of this work, circa 1660, places it at a pivotal juncture in English history—a time recovering from civil strife and grappling with the very nature of sovereignty. Hobbes himself was a figure defined by upheaval; his exile and subsequent writings, most notably Leviathan, established him as a towering, if controversial, voice in social contract theory. Owning this reproduction is to possess a tangible connection to that era of profound philosophical debate. It invites contemplation on the delicate balance between individual liberty and the necessary strength of the sovereign state.

A Decorative Focal Point for Discerning Spaces

Beyond its historical resonance, this portrait functions as an exquisite decorative accent. The inclusion of the visible gold frame suggests a piece intended for display in a room that values both art history and refined taste. For collectors or interior designers seeking an object with narrative depth, this miniature offers unparalleled character. It pairs beautifully with furnishings evoking Georgian or Restoration styles, adding an immediate layer of cultivated erudition to any space, whether it be a library, a formal drawing-room, or a sophisticated study.


Kunstnerens biografi

Samuel Cooper: The Quintessential Baroque Miniature Painter

Samuel Cooper (1609 – May 5, 1672) stands as arguably the most celebrated miniature painter of his era—the 17th century—a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to capturing the essence of portraiture in exquisitely detailed canvases no larger than six inches square. Born in London, he was a nephew of John Hoskins, the renowned miniature artist himself, receiving an education steeped in artistic tradition that would profoundly shape his career trajectory. His life unfolded amidst the vibrant intellectual and social currents of Restoration England, where he cultivated friendships with luminaries like Oliver Cromwell and Samuel Pepys, figures whose patronage undoubtedly bolstered his reputation and artistic output.
  • Early Life & Education: Cooper’s formative years were spent under Hoskins' tutelage, immersing him in the techniques of oil painting on ivory and gilt—the favored mediums for miniature portraits during this period. This grounding in classical artistry instilled a meticulous approach to his craft that would become synonymous with his oeuvre.
  • Musical Talent & Societal Connections: Beyond his artistic prowess, Cooper possessed considerable musical talent, mastering the lute and demonstrating fluency in French—skills indicative of the cosmopolitan environment he inhabited. His association with Pepys, the naval administrator and diarist, provides invaluable insight into the cultural landscape of London during the Restoration, highlighting Cooper’s engagement with intellectual discourse and artistic innovation.
  • Marriage & Family: He married Christiana, whose portrait resides at Welbeck Abbey, establishing a domestic life that mirrored his artistic pursuits. Notably, Edith, his daughter-in-law, was the mother of Alexander Pope—a connection that underscores Cooper’s role as a participant in the broader artistic and literary milieu of England.

A Master of Baroque Technique & Portraiture

Cooper's artistic style firmly embraced the Baroque aesthetic—characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro, opulent ornamentation, and an obsessive attention to realism. He skillfully employed layering techniques, glazing, and meticulous brushwork to achieve astonishing levels of detail, capturing not merely likeness but also psychological nuance within his miniature portraits. His canvases glow with luminosity, reflecting the influence of Venetian masters like Titian and Veronese—artists who championed similar approaches to tonal painting and compositional balance.
  • Notable Commissions & Patronage: Cooper’s reputation soared thanks to commissions from prominent figures including Cromwell and Pepys. His portrait of Pepys, meticulously documented in the diarist's journals, exemplifies his ability to convey character and emotion within a confined space—a feat that cemented his position as one of the foremost portrait miniaturists of his time.
  • Iconic Portraits: Among Cooper’s most celebrated works are portraits of John Aubrey, presented to the Ashmolean Museum in 1691, and James II, commissioned during the reign of Henry Purcell. These paintings stand as enduring symbols of Baroque artistry, showcasing Cooper's mastery of technique and his capacity for capturing regal dignity.

Legacy & Artistic Influence

Samuel Cooper’s legacy extends far beyond his individual portraits; he established a standard of excellence that influenced subsequent generations of miniature painters. His meticulous observation of anatomy, combined with his masterful manipulation of light and color, continues to inspire artists today. Examples of his work can be found in prestigious institutions such as Windsor Castle, Belvoir Castle, Montague House, Welbeck Abbey, Ham House, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam—testaments to the enduring power of his artistic vision. Furthermore, Cooper’s handwriting is preserved on the back of one of his miniatures at Welbeck Abbey, and a drawing in black chalk resides in the University Gallery at Oxford—artifacts that offer tangible evidence of his creative process.
  • Contemporary Recognition: Evelyn's references to Cooper in 1662 underscore the artist’s prominence within the intellectual circles of London, highlighting his contribution to documenting the visual culture of the era.
Cooper’s portrait of himself—a self-portrait housed in the collection of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan—provides a poignant glimpse into the artist's personal identity and reinforces his status as a figure worthy of artistic commemoration. His enduring influence on miniature painting ensures that Samuel Cooper remains an indispensable voice within the history of British art.
Samuel Cooper

Samuel Cooper

1609 - 1672 , United Kingdom

Kort om kunstneren

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Baroque
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Restoration art']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['John Hoskins']
  • Date Of Birth: London, United Kingdom (1609)
  • Date Of Death: 1672
  • Full Name: Samuel Cooper
  • Nationality: English
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Portrait of James II
    • Portrait of Lady Marsham
    • Portrait of John Aubrey
  • Place Of Birth: London