Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Thomas Jesson (d.1635)

Image credit: St Mary's Guildhall

How you can use this image

 

This image is available to be shared and re-used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial licence (CC BY-NC).

This image can be reproduced in any way apart from any commercial uses.

Wherever you reproduce the image or an altered version of it, you must attribute the original creators (acknowledge the original artist(s), the person/organisation that took the photograph of the work) and any other stated rights holders.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find more images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Download

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

A London grocer, about whose life very little is known, Thomas Jesson is remembered in Coventry chiefly through the terms of his will, which made generous provision for the poor of Coventry through the funding of apprenticeships, financial support for widows, and annual distribution of bread to the poor. There was even provision for an annual dinner to be held by the Corporation in his honour. Thomas Jesson is depicted with his left hand on a skull, indicating a contented acceptance of his own mortality, and satisfaction that his good works and reputation will be remembered long after his death. The heraldic shield at the top of the picture shows the arms of Jesson to the right, with those of the Grocers' Company on the left.

St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry

Coventry

Title

Thomas Jesson (d.1635)

Date

1636

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 84 x W 65 cm (E)

Accession number

VA.1950.0014

Acquisition method

commissioned, before 1638

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

coat of arms

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Normally on display at

St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry

Bayley Lane, Coventry, West Midlands CV1 5RN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue