Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9549
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Portrait of Thomas Hobbes
Date
1640s
Sitter
Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679, British) , Philosopher
Creator
William Dobson (1611 - 1646, British) , Painter
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (painting): 729mm
width (painting): 590mm
width (painting): 590mm
Subject
Description
A half length portrait depicting Hobbes in a black robe with a white collar. The background is dark, and Hobbes is turned toward the viewer’s left, his gaze is directed at the viewer. Hobbes is shown with long natural hair, greying and thin at the top, and a small white beard and moustache.
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), British philosopher, was not a Fellow of the Royal Society. He had close ties with the Society's founder, King Charles II (1630-1685), having studied mathematics with him.
William Dobson (1611-1646) the younger, son of the painter and namesake William Dobson the elder, studied under painters Francis Clein and Robert Peake. He was most active in the final six years of his life, when he is believed to have painted this portrait.
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), British philosopher, was not a Fellow of the Royal Society. He had close ties with the Society's founder, King Charles II (1630-1685), having studied mathematics with him.
William Dobson (1611-1646) the younger, son of the painter and namesake William Dobson the elder, studied under painters Francis Clein and Robert Peake. He was most active in the final six years of his life, when he is believed to have painted this portrait.
Transcription
THOMAS HOBBES of Malmesbury
By WILLIAM DOBSON
By WILLIAM DOBSON
Object history
Bequeathed by Thomas Paget FRS, 1717.
The donation of this and two other portraits is recorded in the Society’s Journal Book: “The will of Dr. Thomas Paget was produced by which the Dr. has bequeathed to the Royal Society two houses in Coleman Street London, now lett for 97:10 per annum as also three pictures; Viz. of Gassendus, T. Hobbs and Dr. Henry Moor. The President was pleased to undertake to ask of the executor the Deeds of the Estate.” [Royal Society Journal Book, Original, (JBO/12) 1714-1720, p.181, meeting of 17 October 1717].
Portraits of Pierre Gassendi (1592-1655) and Henry More (1614-1687) were also owned and donated to the Royal Society by Thomas Paget.
The donation of this and two other portraits is recorded in the Society’s Journal Book: “The will of Dr. Thomas Paget was produced by which the Dr. has bequeathed to the Royal Society two houses in Coleman Street London, now lett for 97:10 per annum as also three pictures; Viz. of Gassendus, T. Hobbs and Dr. Henry Moor. The President was pleased to undertake to ask of the executor the Deeds of the Estate.” [Royal Society Journal Book, Original, (JBO/12) 1714-1720, p.181, meeting of 17 October 1717].
Portraits of Pierre Gassendi (1592-1655) and Henry More (1614-1687) were also owned and donated to the Royal Society by Thomas Paget.
Associated place