John Greenhill (1644-1676)
Reverend John Owen (1616-1683)
1668
oil on canvas
Born in Oxfordshire, John Owen was the grandson of Griffith Owen of Talhenbont in Llanegryn. As a leading Independent Puritan divine, he had an immense impact on generations of Welsh Calvinistic preachers. He was well-known for opposing Archbishop Laud in the 1630s, and during the Civil War he became Chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. Later, he became Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Because he had friends at Court, he survived imprisonment during the Restoration.
The English artist John Greenhill was probably the most interesting of Sir Peter Lely's numerous pupils. This portrait is signed with Greenhill's monogram. It portrays a sturdy yet lively characterisation of this celebrated Puritan clergyman.
Purchased, 1971
NMW A 22