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William Dobson was Charles I's official painter and is widely considered to be the greatest British portrait painter of the 17th century. Previously held in a private collection, the acquisition of his self-portrait – painted between 1635 and 1640 – means this rare work has been saved for audiences across the UK to enjoy, now and in the future.
The self-portrait will go on free public display at Tate Britain in November, where it will be reunited with Dobson’s portrait of his wife. The painting will then tour the UK, sharing this hugely significant painting with the public for the first time. After the tour, it will be on display at London's National Portrait Gallery.
The portrait will be shared by the two institutions and available to other museums across the UK as part of the national collection.
This extraordinary piece of British heritage has now been saved for future generations to enjoy for free.
Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate
Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, says: “In many ways William Dobson was Britain’s answer to Rembrandt. He imbued his subjects with a profound psychological depth, never more so than in this powerful self-portrait. This extraordinary piece of British heritage has now been saved for future generations to enjoy for free.”
Victoria Siddall, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, says: “This work is a vital part of the history of portraiture and is also one of only two works to have survived from the beginning of Dobson's career, so we are thrilled to be able to share it with audiences in London and around the country.”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, says: “The painting has been saved for the public by the public, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, and fittingly will now be shared with art lovers across the UK when it goes on tour. At the Heritage Fund, our ambition is to connect people and communities to the UK’s remarkable heritage and this was always at the heart of the vision for this masterpiece’s long-term future.”
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