Stephen Gardiner (1483 – 1555), Bishop of Winchester
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1500 - 1599
Materials
Oil on oak panel
Measurements
533 x 438 mm (21 x 17 ¼ in)
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129153
Caption
Gardiner was an active anti-heretic, and was sent on several diplomatic missions to France and Rome by Henry VIII. From 1531 to 1550 he was Bishop of Winchester, and gained supreme political influence after the fall of Cromwell. Chief opponent of the Reformation, he was sent to the Tower by Edward VI in 1548. Mary Tudor released him when she ascended the throne, and restored him to the See of Winchester, to the Chancellorship of Cambridge, and to the Mastership of Trinity Hall. Although a persecutor of non-Catholics, he was instrumental in securing the retention of the property of the dissolved monasteries by their owners. The rough appearance of this portrait, with the stubble, and snout-like nose, arouses the suspicion that this might have been acquired as an historical portrait of a loathed Papist.
Summary
Oil painting on oak panel, Stephen Gardiner (1483 – 1555), Bishop of Winchester, British (English) School, 16th century. A half-length portrait, facing, wearing surplice and black cap. He was Bishop of Winchester, 1531-50. Committed to the Tower by Edward VI in 1550. Godfather of Charles Cavendish
Provenance
In inventory of the contents of Hardwick Hall made in 1601 and attached to the will of Elizabeth Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury (c.1520–1608);
Credit line
Hardwick Hall, The Devonshire Collection (acquired through the National Land Fund and transferred to The National Trust in 1959)
Marks and inscriptions
in caps above STEEVEN GARDINER
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist