John Somers, Baron Somers

John Somers (1651-1716), lawyer and whig politician, was called to the Bar in 1676; MP 1689-93; Kt. 1689; Keeper of the Great Seal and Privy Counsellor 1693; Lord Chancellor 1697-1700; created Baron Somers 1697; President of the Royal Society 1698-1703; he was a member of the Kit-Cat Club, a bibliophile and a collector of prints and drawings. The sitter is identified in an inscription on the verso, which suggests that he was painted between 1689, when Somers was knighted, and 1691 when Riley died, when the sitter was between 38 and 40 years of age. Although his costume suggest a date nearer to 1680, and therefore the inscription could have been added on at a later date.