Lot 72: The Countess of Lucan (Lady Margaret Bingham) (British, d.1814)

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), wearing white lawn collar
inscribed on reverse Old Hobbs/ The original in the/ possession of the Duke/ of Devonshire/ Copied by me/ 1790, gilt-metal frame
Oval, 68mm. (2 5/8ins.) high

Hobbes was born to an impoverished clerical family in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. At school he made a reputation as a linguist and fluent poet and translator. After Oxford he worked for William Cavendish as a secretary, tutor, and general advisor to the family. During his employment, he went on several "Grand Tours" where he met the leading European intellectuals of his time. Hobbes was caught up in the turmoil preceding the Civil War and fled to France in 1640. He remained there until 1651. Because of his writings, especially 'The Leviathan', Hobbes lived in serious danger of prosecution after the restoration of Charles II. Hobbes's principal interests in his later years were translations. He lived out his old age at the Duke of Devonshire's home.

The present lot is based on a portrait miniature by Samuel Cooper in the Edward B. Greene collection, The Cleveland Museum of Art.