(In the Large Library)

Oil Painting by Cornelius Janssen

Three-quarter figure, sitting in a large arm-chair, directed to the left; three-quarter face, looking at the spectator; in gown, the arms of which are fastened with braided loops; the plum-coloured velvet sleeves of the under-coat have reversed cuffs. The left hand rests on a stone parapet, the finger outstretched as if in demonstration; the right hand holds a doctor’s hat, which rests between the knees and is held sideways. The face is thin and long, with a small peaked beard and scanty grey hair. There is a stone pillar in the middle background; curtain to right, clouds to left. Size of canvas 52 in. by 42 in.

The pedigree and authenticity of this portrait are incontestable, as it was one of the three pictures saved at the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed the College of Physicians then situated in Amen Corner. It is possible that the portrait was expressly painted for the College and it may have been a gift from Harvey himself. It is a pleasing picture spoilt by the right hand, which is so painted as to make it seem deformed.

The painter Cornelius Janssen or Janson van Keulen (1590-1664) lived in England from about 1618, until 1648, and was for the whole of that time a popular portrait painter. There are several reputed Janssen portraits of Harvey, some at least of which may have been painted as replicas by one or other of Janssen’s pupils.