Art Funded by you

Portrait of a physician

Cornelius Johnson, 1637

The sitter is a physician of high standing as shown by the inclusion of books by authors such as Hippocrates. His identity is currently unknown but he could be either Dr John Bathurst (?1600 - 1675) or Dr Lewin Fludd (?1612 - 1678). Bathurst became a Fellow of the College in 1637 (the date of the portrait). He was best known as Oliver Cromwell's physician, and was a friend of the artist, William Harvey. Lewin Fludd was the nephew of the eminent Dr Robert Fludd, a Fellow and Censor of the College. Robert Fludd was a philosopher and a supporter of the use of Paracelsian medicine. This work joins the college's unrivalled collection of medical portraits which provide a fascinating record of the most eminent figures in the history of British medicine from the 16th century.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Portrait of a physician, 1637

Date supported

2008

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

127 x 102 cm

Grant

19000

Total cost

78000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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