Historic Antique Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh A Timeless English Masterpiece

🏰🎨 “Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh”

English Poet, Courtier, Adventurer & Explorer – Follower of Hans Holbein the Younger 🌟 

Bring home a true piece of English history with this striking antique oil portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most legendary figures of the Elizabethan era. Boldly painted in the refined, formal style reminiscent of the great Hans Holbein the Younger, this portrait radiates Tudor elegance, courtly power, and Renaissance detail — ideal for collectors of fine art, period décor, and English heritage. Unsigned painted by an English school artist. 🖼️🇬🇧

🧔♂️ The Subject: Sir Walter Raleigh

Raleigh (c. 1553 – 1618) was a towering figure of his age — statesman, poet, explorer, and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. He introduced tobacco and potatoes to Europe, led expeditions to the New World, helped defeat the Spanish Armada, and lived a life filled with ambition, love, exile, and legend.

His adventurous legacy is captured here in vivid detail — a testament to the power and charisma of a man who truly shaped history.

🎨 Artistic Style, Composition & Technique

Painted in the 18th century in the Tudor court style of Hans Holbein the Younger, this portrait is a masterclass in Renaissance-inspired composition. Raleigh is shown in half-length, front profile, set within an oval reserve that enhances his regal presence.

His rich crimson doublet, adorned with golden detailing, contrasts elegantly with the soft white ruff collar — each fold rendered with exquisite precision. The black hat, complete with a plume, anchors the portrait in stately formality. His goat beard, moustache, and gentle flush in the cheeks are captured with meticulous brushwork, conveying both strength and sensitivity. 🎩👑

The colour palette is warm and noble, featuring deep reds, ivory whites, and soft earth tones, while the background remains dark and understated, placing all focus on the sitter. The brushstrokes are delicate and deliberate, echoing Holbein's approach to realism and his near-photographic attention to detail.

This is more than a painting — it's a window into the court of Elizabeth I.

🖼️ Medium & Frame

• Medium: Oil on wood panel

• Frame: Ornate, aged gilded wooden frame, richly carved and wonderfully preserved

• Frame Dimensions:

  • Height: 29.5 cm

  • Width: 24.5 cm

  • Depth (thickness): 3.2 cm

• Complete with hanging thread on the back — ready for immediate display in your home or gallery.

🏛️ Historical Context & Legacy

Born in Devon to a landed gentry family, Raleigh became one of the most celebrated men of his time. From Ireland to Roanoke, the Tower of London to El Dorado, his life reads like an epic. He was knighted, imprisoned, released, and executed — but never forgotten.

This portrait encapsulates that dramatic life, and owning it connects you directly with the Golden Age of English exploration and culture.

📜 Provenance & Authenticity

• From a private southern shire collection

• Acquired through a high-end southern shire auction

• Held by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

• Exhibited in a museum setting

• Accompanied by collection labels verso
  ✅ We only select & sell artworks based on subject, quality, and significance

🧾 Condition Report

• Painting: In fine used condition, with natural craquelure, minor foxing, and subtle touch-ups in keeping with its age

• Frame: Shows expected wear, scuffs, and minor losses, adding to its antique charm

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available

We proudly offer global shipping options with secure packaging and insurance, ensuring this masterpiece arrives safely at your door — wherever you are in the world.

📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.