Portrait of Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick

The identification of the sitter, Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick (1587 - 1658), has been confirmed by comparison with engraved portraits of Rich such as that by R. van der Voerst. Rich was a privateer who was created Lord High Admiral in 1642 and eventually fought for the Parliamentarians in the Civil War. Here he is shown in armour and with a baton and sash, symbols of military command. The painting derives from a design (known in several versions) considered to be by Van Dyck.