Credit: ©The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9651
Looking for a special gift? Buy a print of this image.
Portrait of John Wilkins
Date
ca. 1670-1672
Sitter
John Wilkins (1614 - 1672, British) , Natural philosopher
Creator
Mary Beale (1633 - 1699, English) , Painter
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Dimensions
height (painting): 1270mm
width (painting): 1016mm
width (painting): 1016mm
Subject
Art & culture
> Natural Philosophy
Art & culture
> Religion
Royal Society history & activity
> Founding of the Royal Society
> Natural Philosophy
Art & culture
> Religion
Royal Society history & activity
> Founding of the Royal Society
Description
John Wilkins is painted at three-quarter length, seated, in ecclesiastical dress, a black tippet over a white surplice. He has dark natural hair, shoulder length and a narrow moustache. The left hand rests on the arm of his chair; the right loosely on his knee.
John Wilkins was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1660, he was a founder of the Society.
John Wilkins was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1660, he was a founder of the Society.
Transcription
JOAN: WILKINS PRIMUS SOCIETATIS REG: SECRET; ET BENEFACTOR WADHAMENSIS. GARDIANUS DEC: RIPON MAGISTER COLTRIN: CANT: EPISCOPUS CESTRIENSIS OBIIT AN: D: M: DC: LXXII.
JOHN WILKINS (1614-1672) BISHOP OF CHESTER. SECRETARY 1662-168. By MARY BEALE
JOHN WILKINS (1614-1672) BISHOP OF CHESTER. SECRETARY 1662-168. By MARY BEALE
Object history
Probably bequeathed by John Wilkins.
The picture appears to have been in the Society’s possession by January 1677 when “Mr.Hunt was ordered to take a coppy of the picture of the late Lord Bp. of Chester, Dr. Wilkins.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 25 January 1677]. This suggests that it, since Wilkins died in 1672, it may well have been bequeathed to the Society. Certainly, by late 1672 the Society was investigating Wilkins will: “The Amanuensis was commanded to go to the Prerogative Court, and to copy out of the late Bsp. of Chester’s last will what the legacy is, which he hath bequeathed to the Royal Society.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 18 December 1672]. Council later noted the receipt of money, but not this picture. [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 27 November 1673].
The picture appears to have been in the Society’s possession by January 1677 when “Mr.Hunt was ordered to take a coppy of the picture of the late Lord Bp. of Chester, Dr. Wilkins.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 25 January 1677]. This suggests that it, since Wilkins died in 1672, it may well have been bequeathed to the Society. Certainly, by late 1672 the Society was investigating Wilkins will: “The Amanuensis was commanded to go to the Prerogative Court, and to copy out of the late Bsp. of Chester’s last will what the legacy is, which he hath bequeathed to the Royal Society.” [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 18 December 1672]. Council later noted the receipt of money, but not this picture. [Royal Society Council Minutes, Original, CMO/1, meeting of 27 November 1673].
Associated place