Portrait of Henry St.John, 1st Vsct Bolingbroke (1678-1751) by Charles Jervas

This portrait of the politician, diplomat and author, Henry St.John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke (1678-1751), politician, diplomat and writer, hangs in the Cabinet Office close to Downing Street and once belonged to the suspected murderer, Lord Lucan.

Henry, who was born at Lydiard Park, was undoubtedly the most famous member of the St.John family and one of the most influential men of the 18th century.

The Painting

Oil on Canvas

H 77.5cn X 64cm

Artist

From the Government Art Collection Website:

There is some doubt over the artist of this portrait. An engraving of the portrait, which is reversed, was produced by printmaker Simon Ravenet (1706-1774). However, the lettering on the print does not reveal the artist’s name

Provenance

Collection of suspected murderer (Richard) John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan (1934-in or after 1974); by whom sold through Sotheby's, London, 'Catalogue of Old Master Paintings; including the property of the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Lucan' sale, on 21 October 1964 (Lot 2), for £95, as by 'G. Kneller'; from which sale purchased by Richard Gayner; from whom purchased by the Ministry of Works in April 1966

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