Sir Richard [Dick] Whittington (c. 1354-1423)

Sir Richard [Dick] Whittington (c. 1354-1423), an engraved silver plaquette, after an early 17th century line engraving by Renold or Reginold Elstrack [Elstracke], and perhaps trying to copy the medals of Simon de Passe, mid 17th century, half-length figure of Whittington seated at a table, wearing cap and gown and Mayoral Collar and Badge of Office, his right hand stokes his cat, RICHARD WHITINGTON (sic) EQUI AURAT VERA EFFIGIES PRECLARMI DOMINI, rev., small garnished shield of arms of Fitzwarren, 102 x 76.5mm. Very fine and believed second known specimen.

The only other specimen is in the British Museum, and is dated by them to be c. 1640. Elstrack probably first produced the engraving in 1605 in response to the printing of The History of Richard Whittington …. (where his right hand rests not on his cat but on a skull). Davids suggests that this piece might date to 1641, with the publication of a ballad about Whittington. Alderman Fitzwarren was Whittington's sponsor and Whitington was to marry his daughter Alice.

Provenance: Bt. Roy Davids, 100 Portraits and a Coffin, Catalogue V [2000], no. 93.