Art Collections Online

Philip Proger (1585-1644)

BRITISH or ITALIAN SCHOOL, 17th century

Media: oil on canvas

Size: 104.5 x 83.7 cm

Acquired: 1988; Purchase

Accession Number: NMW A 18

This is the earliest known portrait of a Welshman holding a leek. At the Tudor and Stuart courts, the Sovereign and courtiers wore leeks on St David’s Day. James I commented that ‘the wearing of leeks by Welshmen was a good and commendable fashion ... the Welshmen in commemoration of the great fight of the black Prince of Wales, do wear leeks as their chosen ensign’. Philip Proger of Gwerndu, Brecknockshire, served at the Court of James I, he was equerry to James I and later groom of the Privy Chamber. His long flowing hair and pointed beard are typical of Royalist fashion.

Comments (2)

Comments are currently unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Steve Garrett
8 September 2018, 17:23
This is the first known portrait of a gay Welshman holding a spring onion!
Roger
22 December 2010, 10:14
Its a spring onion!
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