Commonwealth Folding Screen

Acquisition of a screen made in 1659-1669 just after Richard Cromwell had taken over as Protector following his father's death in 1658. It consists of four silk panels supported by wooden stretchers with three pictures on each panel painted in oils. The subjects of the paintings are pro-royalist and depict as series of scenes of retribution inflicted on the army generals seeking ultimate power (the crown) which is destined for a future king. As well as being of great social interest, this is the earliest known folding screen.