Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) as Lord Protector, Mezzotint

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)
Mezzotint Portrait by John Faber Jr. (c.1684-1756) after Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680)
Published by John Faber Jr., 1735
On laid paper

Dimensions: 357 mm x 255 mm (visible sheet)
                     420 mm x 320 mm (framed)

Mezzotint portrait within feigned architectural oval, sitter bust-length, shoulers front, facing slightly to his left, long hair, wearing a linen collar over cuirass armour breastplate. Lettered below the image with publication details "Petrus Lely pinx. 1653" and "J. Faber fecit 1735", the subject's name "OLIVAR" [sic] "Rp: Ang: Sco: et Hib: PROTECTOR. &c"  / "e Collectione Guilielmi Powlett Gen: " Bottom right beneath "Sold by J. Faber at y^e Golden Head in Bloomsbury Square".

Cromwell served as Lord Protector from 1653–1658, during the Interregnum of the Commonwealth Period following the end English Civil War and the execution of Charles I in 1649. 

A well toned and attractively age-worn print. Presented in what is possibly its original 18th Century ebonized pearwood frame, with hand-blown rippled glass. 

Literature:
Chaloner Smith: 96.I

See British Museum P,4.14 & 1902,1011.1325; National Gallery of Scotland SP II 23.30; Royal Collection RCIN 602226; Royal Museums Greenwich PAF3223 etc