This remarkable 17th-century head-and-shoulders portrait depicts Philip Lord Wenman (1610-1686), the third Viscount Wenman of Tuam, Ireland. It’s attributed to English artist Cornelis Jonson Van Ceulen The Younger (1634-1715).

At age 60, he reflects on a turbulent life of war, politics, and imprisonment. An inkling of a wry smile suggests a state of inner contentment, while his deep-set eyes glisten with decades of acquired wisdom.

Wenman lived during a fierce age for the Monarchy. Born in 1610, he fought in several bloody battles for Charles I, defended the King during the English Civil Wars, and conspired with Charles II when he fled for Europe. Astonishingly, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London at least twice - first for supporting the exiled King and later by the restored King himself.

So here, when into his autumn years, he peers knowingly across the centuries with a degree of relief that he’s cheated death on numerous occasions. And finally, from his home at The Tithe House in Brackley, he’s able to savour more leisurely pursuits.

Cornelis Jonson Van Ceulen The Younger

Artist Cornelis Jonson Van Ceulen The Younger has captured Wenman with sensitivity via exquisite handling. Note the subtleties in the skin tones, the heavy eyelids, and the skilful application of chiaroscuro. Jonson Van Ceulen was born in London but spent most of his life in The Netherlands and, like many of his esteemed contemporaries, his works allude to the spirit of a sitter rather than simply their aesthetic. He examines their soul while underplaying their grandeur.

The portrait employs the use of a feigned (or fictive) oval - a common addition during the Restoration Period. Several portraits of Charles II (by Peter Lely’s studio and Jacob Huysmans) are also presented this way. Perhaps Wenman was keen to follow suit and requested it personally.

An inscription in the top left refers to Wenman’s brother, Thomas Lord Viscount Wenman, and his niece Mary Wenman, so it’s plausible that it once hung at Thame Park in Oxfordshire.

Philip Lord Wenman's Timeline

1610

Born in Twyford, Buckinghamshire to Sir Richard Wenman (1573-1640) and Agnes Wenman (d. 1617) the daughter of Sir George Fermor of Easton-Neston, Northamptonshire.

Five years prior, both Sir Richard Wenman and Agnes Wenman were investigated in connection with their links to the Gunpowder Plot. Speculation was aroused following Agnes’ affiliation with Mrs Elizabeth Vaux, the sister-in-law of Anne Vaux.

1639

Commanded men at Carlisle (rank of Captain) for King Charles I on an expedition to Scotland during the ‘Bishops' Wars’.

1641

Fought for King Charles I during the Irish Rebellion. Commanded 250 men at the Fort of Cork.

1642

Fought in Lord Esmond’s Regiment of Foot during the English Civil War, probably based at Duncannon Fort.
Documented as being paid for his service in Ireland.

1643

Documented as married to Lady Elisabeth O'Brien (b.1616), the daughter of Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond, Ireland. She was previously married to Dutton Lord Gerard.

C. 1643 - c. 1645

Fought in Colonel Thomas Pinchbeck’s Regiment of Foot, which probably included the infamous battle of Naseby where the Royalists were emphatically defeated.

1646

Recommended by Parliament to become a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire.

1647

Command in Ireland ceased.

1648

The cessation of the Second English Civil War. Charles I taken into custody to await trial for treason.

1649

Wenman (now a Lieutenant Colonel) requested a command in Ireland.

Charles I executed.

1651

Charles II flees for mainland Europe following defeat at the Battle of Worcester by Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Wenman imprisoned in the Tower of London for high treason along with Colonel John Booth. Both accused of conspiring with the Scots to restore Charles II.

Birth of daughter, Mary.
Mary married William Croftes (c.1639-1695) who had three brothers in exile with Charles II.

1658

Death of Oliver Cromwell.

1659

Wife Elisabeth died in Tuam, Ireland.

1660

The Restoration of Charles II. Upon his return to England, the King granted various annuities and gifts to those who had aided him. Wenman, however, was again imprisoned in the Tower of London.

1664

Succeeded as third Viscount Wenman.

C. 1670

Portrait completed, probably by Cornelis Jonson Van Ceulen The Younger. Possibly hung at Thame Park, Oxfordshire.

1672

Wenman documented as working in Parliament. Also enjoying more leisurely pursuits at The Tithe House in Brackley.

1686

Died in Tuam, Galway, Ireland.