Portrait of John Thurlow Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

The engraving presents a formal portrait of a man positioned centrally within an oval frame. He is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly towards the viewer with a serious and somewhat austere expression. His dark hair, styled in long curls that fall around his shoulders, frames a face marked by prominent features – a strong nose, deep-set eyes, and a firm jawline. The man wears a high-collared black garment, indicative of the period’s fashion for men of status.
The oval frame itself is not simply an enclosing border; it appears to emerge from a swirling arrangement of drapery that cascades downwards. This fabric seems to billow outwards, creating a sense of theatricality and grandeur around the subject. Two cherubic figures are positioned on either side of this cascade, one holding what appears to be a scroll or document, while the other gestures towards a small scene depicted at the base of the composition.
This lower scene shows two men seated at a table, engaged in what seems to be a formal discussion or negotiation. The details are somewhat obscured by the engraving’s style, but the implication is one of diplomacy and official business. Above the mans head, inscribed within the oval frame, are his name and title: John Thurlow, Secretary to Oliver Cromwell.
The overall effect suggests an attempt to portray the subject as a figure of authority and importance. The elaborate drapery and cherubic figures contribute to this impression, elevating him beyond a simple likeness. The inclusion of the scene depicting negotiation subtly reinforces his role as a key advisor or negotiator during a significant historical period. The engraving’s style, with its meticulous detailing and use of chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark), lends an air of solemnity and gravitas to the portrait. It is likely intended not only to record his appearance but also to convey a sense of his character and position within the political landscape of the time.