Portrait of Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: 1629-30
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Portrait of Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel by Peter Paul Rubens. Painted in the Flemish tradition, this portrait reveals a more intellectual side to Arundel's character. The subject sits rather stiffly, looking away from the viewer with a focused expression.
Notice how his face, free of shadow, is framed by a white collar that contrasts strongly with his dark coat and the gloomy background. The medallion hanging from the blue ribbon around his neck is an insignia of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry.
Rubens met Arundel during his visit to England in 1629/30, but this portrait isn't dated. It's possible that it was made during this period or even later, as some art historians suggest. The artist's depiction of Arundel is quite detailed - he's more puffy-cheeked and greyer than in the other two portraits Rubens painted of him.
The style of this painting also shows influence from an engraving by Albrecht Dürer, which features a similar pose and expression on the subject's face. This portrait offers a unique glimpse into the personality and character of Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel, a prominent figure in English history.
See it in person
Portrait of Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, 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.
