Lot 12: Thomas Ross fl. 1730-1746 , Portrait of John Thurloe (1616-1668) oil on canvas

three-quarter length, standing by a table and holding a document later inscribed c.r.: Secy. Thurloe and further later inscribed on a fragment of canvas attached to stretcher: Tho: Ross Pinxt/ From an original Picture of/ Secretary Thurloe/ in the Possession of/ Mrs Brace oil on canvas

measurements note 126.5 by 101cm., 49¾ by by 39¾ in.

Robert Berwicke-Copley, 5th Baron Cromwell (1893-1966), Sprotborough Hall, Doncaster, his sale, Christie's London, 20th November 1925, lot 116 (as 'Jonson' bt. Moore for 4 gns.)

Thurloe was an important figure in the Commonwealth, and a close confidant of Oliver Cromwell. In 1652 he was appointed Secretary of State, retaining his Chambers at Lincolns Inn of which he became bencher in 1654. He was in charge of foreign affairs and directed a very effective intelligence service. This portrait relates to an engraving by Vertue from a portrait belonging to descendants of the sitter, another version of which is in the National Portrait Gallery. It was probably commissioned by the Copley family, who were descendants of Cromwell.