Discovering Cornelius Johnson at the National Portrait Gallery

Discovering Cornelius Johnson: Charles I's Forgotten Painter runs from 15 April - 13 September 2015 in Room 6 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Karen Hearn, Honorary Professor at UCL, has curated an exhibition on Cornelius Johnson at the National Portrait Gallery, which opens this month.

Cornelius Johnson (1593-1661) was born in London to a Flemish/German migrant family. After his spell at court and on the outbreak of the Civil War, the 50-year-old Johnson emigrated to the Netherlands, creating a second successful career there. Johnson painted on every scale - from the tiny miniature to the big group portrait (like The Capel Family) - to produce delicate, sympathetic portraits that often emphasise his sitters' fine lace collars and luxurious clothes.

Karen Hearn FSA was the Curator of 16th & 17th Century British Art at Tate Britain from 1992 to 2012, and is now an Honorary Professor at University College London. Karen specialises in the art made in Britain between 1500 and 1710, and in the cultural links between Britain and the Netherlands during that period.

On 16 April (Room 5, 7pm) Karen will give a lecture on Cornelius Johnson as part of the NPG Late Shift series. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.

See the National Portrait Gallery website for more information.

Karen Hearn's book Cornelius Johnson is due out on 15 April and is available to purchase via Paul Holberton Publishing.