Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)

This unique portrait of Oliver Cromwell is the largest item in the Cromwell Museum's collection; at over 2 metres tall it is a life sized portrait, showing him dressed as a senior cavalry officer and carrying a general’s baton of office. Clues in the painting suggest it may have been painted before Cromwell became Lord General and commander of Parliament’s armies in 1650. He is wearing a sleeveless buff leather coat and back-and-breast plate as armour; gold laced sleeves, fringed breeches and bucket topped boots. The latter could be pulled up for riding but are here folded down to enable walking and show off the elaborate laced boot hose. He is carrying a feathered hat and wearing fringed gloves.

The cavalry sword he is wearing in this painting may represent one which is in our collection.

The elaborate clothing worn in this portrait is contrary to the popular image of Cromwell as a dour individual, always dressed in black, a stereotype which does not stand up to scrutiny. This painting was most likely painted by Robert Walker (1599-1658), the main portrait artist of the Cromwellian period.