Portrait of Sir Thomas Gresham

Sir Thomas Gresham (1519-1579) was the leading English merchant in Antwerp and also the English king’s financial agent in the Low Countries. He was the founder of the Royal Exchange and of Gresham college, London. His prominent social position explains why he had his portrait painted by Mor, who was court artist to Philip II. This Utrecht-born painter was noted for the accurate recording of detail in his portraits. He depicted Gresham as a strong, somewhat reserved personality. The pendant of this painting is the portrait of Anne Fernely, the wife of Gresham. On the paintings, both Gresham and his wife are expensively, yet soberly dressed.