{"product_id":"oliver-cromwell-portrait-1910-medici-society-chromolithograph-after-sir-peter-lely","title":"Oliver Cromwell Portrait 1910 Medici Society Chromolithograph After Sir Peter Lely","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOliver Cromwell Portrait 1910 Medici Society Chromolithograph After Sir Peter Lely\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn evocative early 20th-century British historical portrait of Oliver Cromwell, published by The Medici Society Ltd in 1910 for The National Portrait Series No. 5, complete with its important original publisher and series labels verso.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighlights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Original Medici Society chromolithograph published in 1910\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Historical portrait of Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• The Medici Prints, The National Portrait Series No. 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• After the portrait associated with Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Chromolithograph in colours on paper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Original Medici Society publisher label surviving verso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Original National Portrait Series No. 5 label surviving verso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Period documentation identifies the source portrait at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• National Portrait Gallery holds an example of the same 1910 publication, reference NPG D34361\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Rich Edwardian colour printing with warm brown and ochre tones\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Presented behind protective glass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Substantial dark-stained decorative wooden frame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Private collection provenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• An appealing work for collectors of British historical portraiture, Cromwelliana and antique prints \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn impressive Edwardian chromolithographic portrait of Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658), combining historical interest, original documentary evidence and strong decorative presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublished in 1910 by The Medici Society Ltd, the work belongs to The Medici Prints, The National Portrait Series and was issued as No. 5.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCromwell is represented bust-length, his recognisable features and long dark hair emerging against a restrained brown background. His broad pale collar provides a striking contrast with the darker tones of his clothing, creating an image that is both austere and visually commanding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly desirable is the survival of the original Medici Society labels on the reverse. Together they document the publisher, series, date and source of the portrait and provide an important connection with the object's original publication history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArtist: After Sir Peter Lely (1618–1680)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSitter: Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle: Portrait of Oliver Cromwell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate: 1910\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublisher: The Medici Society Ltd\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeries: The Medici Prints, The National Portrait Series No. 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSchool: British\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod: Edwardian \/ early 20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium: Chromolithograph in colours on paper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubject: Historical bust-length portrait of Oliver Cromwell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSource: Original Medici Society label records the source portrait at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresentation: Behind protective glass within a dark-stained decorative wooden frame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe portrait concentrates attention upon Cromwell himself, eliminating unnecessary narrative or decorative elements from the composition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShown bust-length and looking towards the right, Cromwell is characterised by his long dark hair, strongly modelled facial features and broad white collar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe chromolithographic process introduces layers of warm brown, ochre, flesh and darker tones, producing considerably more depth and colour variation than would be possible through a conventional monochrome reproductive print.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe dark architectural frame complements the restrained character of the image particularly well, giving the portrait a handsome appearance suited to a traditional library, study, office, hallway or period-inspired interior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Art of Chromolithography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChromolithography developed from lithographic printing and allowed publishers to reproduce images using multiple colours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual colours and tonal passages could be applied successively, with accurate registration gradually creating the completed image.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy the late 19th and early 20th centuries the process had become particularly associated with quality reproductions of paintings, portraits and decorative works of art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe present example demonstrates the effectiveness of the technique through the subtle tonal variations visible across Cromwell's face, hair, clothing and background.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe National Portrait Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe surviving original label identifies the work as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Medici Prints, 1910\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe National Portrait Series, No. 5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePortrait of Oliver Cromwell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe National Portrait Gallery in London holds another example of this publication, reference NPG D34361, catalogued as a chromolithograph of Oliver Cromwell published by The Medici Society Ltd in 1910 after Sir Peter Lely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe presence of the original series label on this example provides valuable primary documentary evidence for its identity and publication history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOliver Cromwell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon on 25 April 1599 and became one of the central political and military figures of 17th-century British history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter entering Parliament, Cromwell rose to prominence as a Parliamentarian commander during the English Civil Wars and became closely associated with the New Model Army.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing the defeat of Charles I and the King's execution in 1649, England became a Commonwealth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCromwell was appointed Lord Protector in December 1653, remaining head of the Protectorate until his death on 3 September 1658.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis legacy remains the subject of extensive historical debate, including his role in the execution of Charles I, the constitutional character of the Protectorate and the Parliamentarian military campaigns in Ireland.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe publication of the present portrait in 1910 illustrates the continued prominence of Cromwell's likeness within British historical culture more than two and a half centuries after his lifetime.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter Sir Peter Lely\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSir Peter Lely (1618–1680) became one of the most important portrait painters working in 17th-century England and served as Principal Painter to Charles II.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe National Portrait Gallery attributes its example of this Medici Society publication as after Sir Peter Lely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original label surviving on the present example is particularly interesting because it preserves the historic wording “Sir Peter Lely [Samuel Cooper?]”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis period qualification has been retained within our catalogue record as part of the documentary history of the work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Sidney Sussex College Connection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original Medici Society label records the source as a portrait in oils upon canvas in the Hall of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe association is especially significant because Oliver Cromwell attended Sidney Sussex College as a young man.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe connection between sitter, college and source portrait consequently adds another layer of historical interest to the Medici Society publication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Medici Society\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Medici Society Ltd became known during the early 20th century for publishing reproductions after important paintings and works of art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the surviving labels identifies the publisher as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Medici Society Ltd\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy Appointment to H.M. the King – Art Publishers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7 Grafton St., Bond St., W.1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand 63 Bold St., Liverpool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe presence of this original publisher's label together with the National Portrait Series label considerably strengthens the documentary character of the present example.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Labels and Documentary Evidence\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTwo important period labels survive verso.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first identifies The Medici Society Ltd and records its London and Liverpool addresses together with its appointment as Art Publishers to H.M. the King.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe second records the title, 1910 publication date and National Portrait Series No. 5 designation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt also identifies the source portrait at Sidney Sussex College and preserves the historic attribution to Sir Peter Lely, with Samuel Cooper queried.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe labels form an important part of the object's history and should remain preserved with the work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Medici Society Ltd, 1910\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Medici Society publisher label retained verso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal The Medici Prints, National Portrait Series No. 5 label retained verso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrivate collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFramed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight: 53 cm \/ 20.9 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth: 47.5 cm \/ 18.7 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepth: 5 cm \/ 2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffered in presentable antique condition commensurate with its age of more than a century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe chromolithograph retains attractive overall colour and definition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge-related surface wear is present, including fine vertical and irregular lines visible across areas of the portrait, together with minor scattered marks and spotting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe protective glazing displays age-related marks and scratches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe substantial dark-stained wooden frame displays expected historic wear including rubbing, scuffs, scratches, abrasions and areas of finish loss consistent with age and previous display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original Medici Society labels verso display natural age-related toning, wear and minor losses but remain substantially legible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe chromolithograph will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic paper support, protective glazing and substantial decorative wooden frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55046081511802,"sku":"CAC-SK-0342","price":7750.0,"currency_code":"ILS","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/Cromwell.jpg?v=1739375057","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/he-il\/products\/oliver-cromwell-portrait-1910-medici-society-chromolithograph-after-sir-peter-lely","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}