History - Family Portraits
Edward, fourth Viscount Irwin (1686-1714) by Thomas van der Wilt (1659-1733), 21½ X 18 (55 X 45.5)
Lord Irwin began his three-year Grand Tour of Europe in June 1704 together with his brother Rich, Thomas
Worsley of Hovingham, and their tutor John Haccius.
Their first extended visit was to Delft in Holland where this, 'his own picture, very well done', and a
companion portrait (probably of Haccius) must have been painted by Thomas van der Wilt who resided there
and was a member of the Guild of St Luke.
The events of his subsequent tour in Germany and Italy are well recorded in the surviving correspondence.
These included a duel fought near Utrecht, books and pictures bought in Venice for 'furnishing my great
rambling house' (many of which survive at Temple Newsam), and a number of amorous adventures in various
Italian cities.
Temple Newsam 12.3/1993
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