Henry Purcell was a Baroque composer, is generally considered to be one of England's greatest composers. He has often been called England's finest native composer. Purcell incorporated Italian and French stylistic elements but devised a peculiarly English style of Baroque music.

Portrait #1, after John Closterman, 1695

There are six known and authentic portraits of Henry Purcell. Portrait #1 was modeled after John Closterman in 1695. Closterman was a German artist who arrived in England in 1680. He was associated with 44 portraits in all. This is the earliest surviving depiction of an English composer. The portrait once belonged to Dr. Charles Burney, an eighteenth century musicologist. Portrait #2 was created by Closterman himself. The depiction is done in black chalk, also in 1695. Portrait #3 was created by or after Closterman in 1695. Portrait #4 was painted by Robert White but modeled after Closterman. The date of this portrait is unknown.

Portrait #2, John Closterman, 1695

Portrait #3, by or after John Closterman, 1695

Portrait #4, Robert White, after John Closterman, date unknown

There are two known post mortem portraits of Henry Purcell. The first is by William Nelson Gardiner and was painted in 1794. The other was painted by George Zobel and is, once again, modeled after John Closterman.

Still wondering about a portrait in your family collection? Contact us…it could be of composer Henry Purcell.