Henry Ireton
- Artist: Samuel Cooper
- Artist: Sir Anthony van Dyck
- Artist: Robert Walker
- Date: circa 1650
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 49 in. x 39 1/2 in. (1245 mm x 1003 mm)
- Portrays: Henry Ireton
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is a striking oil portrait of Henry Ireton, painted around 1650 on canvas. The face comes straight from a tiny Samuel Cooper miniature; notice the delicate modeling of his eyes and the subtle tilt of his head. The figure’s stance follows Sir Anthony van Dyck’s classic pattern: a poised, slightly turned torso with a dignified posture. The clothing is rendered in rich, muted tones, giving the whole image an airy depth that suggests canvas fabric at work.
Ireton was a key commander in the Parliamentary army and a close associate of Cromwell. He authored the 1648 Remonstrance, arguing that King Charles should be tried for treason. In an effort to stabilize the Republic he proposed a limited monarchy—a plan his contemporaries rejected. The painting captures both his military stature and intellectual gravitas, framing him as a decisive figure in England’s civil wars.
See it in person
Henry Ireton is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
