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Notes
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Stylistically, this portrait appears to be continental rather than English and the sitter's costume reflects late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century Dutch or Flemish fashions. It is possible that it depicts the English composer John Bull who served as a royal musician to both Elizabeth I and James I. Bull may have travelled on the continent in around 1602 and he moved to the Netherlands from 1613 until his death. The facial features are remarkably similar to other known portraits of Bull, but without further evidence it is difficult to provide a certain identification. The lyrics on the musical score translate as 'I saw her, I love her, and I will love her', indicating that this portrait may have been a personal love token. Curiously, a large baton (or perhaps a bow) in the man's hand has been partly painted out.
Title
Unknown man, possibly John Bull
Date
c.1600–1620
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 36 x W 25.8 cm
Accession number
4873
Acquisition method
Bequeathed by R. Thurston Dart, 1971. On long-term loan to Montacute House, Somerset
Work type
Painting
National Portrait Gallery, London
St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England
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