A prominent English courtier and politician who served as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, known for his influential role in the royal court and his patronage of the arts. He was a key figure in the English Renaissance, supporting artists and writers.
Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel, is best known as a passionate patron of the arts and a prominent figure in the royal court of King Charles I. His extensive collection of art and antiquities, which he amassed during his lifetime, ranks among the most impressive in British history.
Born in 1585, Thomas Howard was the second son of Philip Howard, 20th Earl of Arundel, and inherited the title and estate upon his brother's death in 1604. With his new title came a life of luxury and leisure, which he indulged in with great enthusiasm. Howard's love for art, architecture, and collecting was evident from an early age, and he spent lavishly on his passions.
Howard's proximity to the royal family, particularly King Charles I, earned him significant influence and power. He served as the King's chief advisor on matters of art and architecture, and his opinion was highly valued. This close relationship with the monarch granted Howard access to the finest artists, architects, and craftsmen of the time, whom he commissioned to create masterpieces for his estate.
The Earl's most enduring legacy is the impressive collection of art and antiquities he assembled during his lifetime. The Arundel Collection, as it came to be known, featured an astonishing array of masterpieces, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. The collection also boasted an impressive assortment of classical antiquities, which Howard procured during his travels to Italy and Greece.
Howard's love for the arts was not merely a matter of aesthetics; he was also deeply interested in the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of art. He was a strong advocate for the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, which he believed held the key to understanding the human condition. This fascination with classical thought is evident in the many philosophical treatises and essays he penned during his lifetime.
The Arundel Collection, now dispersed among various museums and galleries, continues to inspire and educate art lovers to this day. Howard's patronage of the arts paved the way for future generations of artists, architects, and collectors, cementing his legacy as a champion of cultural excellence.
Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel, lived during a time of great cultural and artistic transformation. His life and legacy reflect the complex interplay between art, power, and politics in 17th-century England. As a patron, collector, and intellectual, Howard left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of his time, and his influence continues to be felt today.
Despite the turmoil that engulfed England during the English Civil War, Howard's love for the arts never wavered. His dedication to the preservation and promotion of culture has inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps. As we gaze upon the masterpieces he so lovingly collected, we are reminded of the power of art to transcend time and touch the human heart.
Born in 1574
An English explorer and cartographer who mapped the New World and created innovative navigational tools, contributing significantly to the development of modern cartography.
Born in 1552
A Renaissance man who wrote poetry, fought in wars, and explored the New World, introducing potatoes and tobacco to England. He's famous for his daring exploits and romanticized legend.
