Artwork
Henry Carey (1596–1661), Second Earl of Monmouth
Henry Carey (1596–1661), Second Earl of Monmouth is an unspecified painting by Samuel Cooper. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The portrait of Henry Carey, Second Earl of Monmouth, is executed on vellum, a prepared skin support, and is classified as a painting in the portrait genre.
The portrait of Henry Carey, Second Earl of Monmouth, is executed on vellum, a prepared skin support, and is classified as a painting in the portrait genre. The work dates to 1649 and is attributed to Samuel Cooper, the leading English miniaturist of the period, whose handling on vellum typically involved fine, controlled brushwork in watercolor and gouache to achieve subtle tonal modeling and precise linear definition in the sitter's features. The small-scale format is consistent with the dimensions recorded for the work, measuring approximately 6.4 by 5.2 centimeters, a size characteristic of Cooper's intimate cabinet miniatures designed for private viewing rather than public display.
No information regarding the specific pigments, binding media, ground preparation, or current condition of the vellum support is provided in the available sources.
History & Provenance
The miniature portrait of Henry Carey, Second Earl of Monmouth, was created by Samuel Cooper in 1649, executed on vellum and measuring 6.4 cm in height by 5.2 cm in width. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. No information is available regarding the original commission, the chain of ownership prior to the museum's acquisition, or any exhibition history.
Overview
Samuel Cooper's 1649 miniature portrait depicts Henry Carey, Second Earl of Monmouth. Executed on vellum, this small-scale painting captures a prominent figure of the English nobility. The artwork is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, representing a significant example of 17th-century English portraiture. Cooper was recognized as a leading practitioner of the miniature form during his era.
Subject & Meaning
Henry Carey, Second Earl of Monmouth, is presented with an earnest demeanor, his features framed by curly hair and a dark beard. The artist focuses intently on the sitter's face, which emerges from a plain background. His attire, a dark coat with a visible white collar, is typical of the period, emphasizing the subject's status and presence through a direct, unadorned portrayal.
Context
Samuel Cooper was a preeminent English miniature painter of his time, known for his meticulous and sophisticated style. His artistic lineage included his elder brother, Alexander Cooper, who also specialized in miniature portraits. This familial connection highlights a tradition of highly skilled miniature artists contributing to the visual culture of 17th-century England, with Samuel often considered the more celebrated of the two.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Cooper (1609 – 5 May 1672), sometimes spelt Samuel Cowper, was an English miniature painter. He was the younger brother of Alexander Cooper.
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