Reginald Pole (1500-1558), Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury
British (English) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1560 - 1599
Materials
Oil on oak panel
Measurements
529 x 430 mm
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1129160
Caption
Reginald Pole was the son of Sir Richard Pole and Margaret Plantagenet, who was born at Stourton Castle in Staffordshire. His life was spent trying to reform the Catholic Church, at odds with the ruling monarch, Henry VIII. In 1549 he was almost elected Pope, in succession to Paul III. In December 1555, he was raised to cardinal-priest, and appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He died on the same day as Mary I, and was therefore spared seeing the collapse of all relations with Rome – a cause which he had devoted his life.
Summary
Oil painting on oak panel, Reginald Pole (1500-1558), Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury, British (English) School, late 16th century. A half-length portrait, turned slightly to the left, gazing to the left, dressed in cardidnal's scarlet robes, lawn sleeves and biretta.
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); and thence by descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959
Credit line
Hardwick Hall, The Devonshire Collection (acquired through the National Land Fund and transferred to The National Trust in 1959)
Marks and inscriptions
above Cardenall Pooll
Makers and roles
British (English) School, artist