Object Description
A large carved white statuary marble bust of 17th century MP, solider and Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Reclaimed from the garden of a property in Surrey, this bust depicts Cromwell as he is often seen in statuary, dressed as a military figure with high collar and armoured uniform, with a prominent brow and locks of curled hair.
During the 18th century, there was a high demand for portraits of notable British figures from history resulting in the creation of various busts. We believe this Cromwell bust to date from this era. 18th century busts of Cromwell in a similar style can be found in The British Museum and the V&A.
During the British Civil Wars of the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was an important military commander, involved in the power struggle between Crown and Parliament. The Wars led to the execution of King Charles I and subsequent Cromwell’s appointment as Britain’s first Lord Protector in 1653, ruling the country through his major-generals and effectively creating a military dictatorship.