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Colonial Governor Collection

The role of a colonial governor was one of immense power and influence, shaping the destiny of entire regions

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: PUSA2A-00033

PUSA2A-00033
John Winthrop, with his signature. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick, British colonial administrator of New York

Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick, British colonial administrator of New York
NWI4951641 Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick, British colonial administrator of New York.; (add.info.: Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: William Phipps, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1600s

William Phipps, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1600s
NWI4951194 William Phipps, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1600s.; (add.info.: William Phipps, Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1600s.); Photo © North Wind Pictures.

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Thomas West, 12th Baron De La Warr (Lord Delaware), with autograph

Thomas West, 12th Baron De La Warr (Lord Delaware), with autograph
NWI4951637 Thomas West, 12th Baron De La Warr (Lord Delaware), with autograph.; (add.info.: Thomas West, 12th Baron De La Warr (Lord Delaware), with autograph.); Photo © North Wind Pictures.

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Prince Rupert of the Rhine

Prince Rupert of the Rhine
1577192 Prince Rupert of the Rhine; (add.info.: Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, 1st Duke of Cumberland, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, (1619 - 1682), German soldier, admiral

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Rupert, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Cumberland, Earl of Holderness

Rupert, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Cumberland, Earl of Holderness
3585549 Rupert, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Cumberland, Earl of Holderness; (add.info.: Rupert, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Cumberland, Earl of Holderness (1619 - 1682)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub

Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub
745957 Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub. by Knapton, London 1742 (engraving) by Houbraken

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub

Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub
957032 Portrait of Sir Henry Vane, illustration from Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, pub. by Knapton, London 1742 (engraving) by Houbraken

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Sir Guy Carleton (litho)

Sir Guy Carleton (litho)
PNP325965 Sir Guy Carleton (litho) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester (1724-1808)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait of Prince Rupert, 1835 (litho)

Portrait of Prince Rupert, 1835 (litho)
4070926 Portrait of Prince Rupert, 1835 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Duke of Cumberland, KG, PC)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Recipients of the New Honours (engraving)

Recipients of the New Honours (engraving)
1056351 Recipients of the New Honours (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Recipients of the New Honours)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Peter Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam

Peter Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam
Governor Stuyvesant haranguing citizens of New Amsterdam, 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: John Archdale, colonial governor in the Carolinas

John Archdale, colonial governor in the Carolinas
Governor Archdales address to the colonial Carolina Assembly, 1696. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Colonial Governor Andros arriving in Connecticut, 1687

Colonial Governor Andros arriving in Connecticut, 1687
Governor Edmund Andros arriving at Old Saybrook to take control of Connecticut colony, 1687. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Sir John Wentworth

Sir John Wentworth
John Wentworth, Royal Governor of New Hampshire Colony, also Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia. Hand-colored engraving of a portrait

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Dirk Fock 1858-1941 Governor General 1921-26

Dirk Fock 1858-1941 Governor General 1921-26
Dirk Fock (1858-1941). Governor General (1921-26), Portrait of Dirk Fock (1858-1941). Governor General (1921-26). Knee, standing, to the left, in front of a chair by a table

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Johannes Benedictus van Heutsz 1851-1924 Governor General

Johannes Benedictus van Heutsz 1851-1924 Governor General
Johannes Benedictus van Heutsz (1851-1924). Governor General (1904-09), Portrait of Johannes Benedictus van Heutsz (1851-1924). Governor General (1905-1909)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck 1840-1914 Governor General

Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck 1840-1914 Governor General
Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck (1840-1914). Governor General (1893-99), Portrait of Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck (1840-1914). Governor General (1893-99)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Johan Paul Graaf Limburg Stirum 1873-1948 Governor General

Johan Paul Graaf Limburg Stirum 1873-1948 Governor General
Johan Paul Graaf from Limburg Stirum (1873-1948). Governor General (1916-21), Portrait of Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stirum (1873-1948). Governor General (1916-21)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Otto van Rees 1823-92 Governor General 1884-88

Otto van Rees 1823-92 Governor General 1884-88
Otto van Rees (1823-92). Governor General (1884-88), Portrait of Otto van Rees (1823-92). Governor General (1884-88). Knee, standing, and face

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Willem Rooseboom 1843-1920 Governor General 1899-1904

Willem Rooseboom 1843-1920 Governor General 1899-1904
Willem Rooseboom (1843-1920). Governor General (1899-1904), Portrait of Willem Rooseboom (1843-1920). Governor General (1899-1904). Knee, standing to the left, the face turned to the viewer

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Hendrik Brouwer Governor-General Dutch East Indies

Portrait Hendrik Brouwer Governor-General Dutch East Indies
Portrait of Hendrik Brouwer, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Hendrik Brouwer (1581-1643). Governor General (1632-36). Standing, halfway, slightly to the right

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Hendrik Swaardecroon 1718-1725 Portrait Hendrick Zwaardecroon

Hendrik Swaardecroon 1718-1725 Portrait Hendrick Zwaardecroon
Hendrik Swaardecroon (1718-1725) Portrait of Hendrik Swaardecroon (Hendrick Zwaardecroon), Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Hendrik Swaardecroon (1667-1728)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Jeremias van Riemsdijk Governor-General

Portrait Jeremias van Riemsdijk Governor-General
Portrait of Jeremias van Riemsdijk, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of Jeremias van Riemsdijk (1712-77). Governor General (1775-77). Hip piece, standing to the left

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Baron Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff 1743-1750 Portrait

Baron Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff 1743-1750 Portrait
Baron Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff (1743-1750) Portrait of Gustaaf Willem, Baron van Imhoff, Governor General of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of Gustaaf Willem baron van Imhoff (1705-50)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Johannes Thedens 1741-1743 Portrait Governor-General

Johannes Thedens 1741-1743 Portrait Governor-General
Johannes Thedens (1741-1743) Portrait of Johannes Thedens, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of Johannes Thedens (1680-1748). Governor General (1741-43)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Rycklof van Goens Governor-General 1619-82

Portrait Rycklof van Goens Governor-General 1619-82
Portrait of Rycklof van Goens, Governor-General, Portrait of Rycklof van Goens (1619-82). Governor General (1678-81). Half to the right

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Diederik van Durven 1729-1730 Portrait Governor General

Diederik van Durven 1729-1730 Portrait Governor General
Diederik van Durven (1729-1730), Portrait of Diederik van Durven, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Diederik van Durven (1676-1740). Governor General (1729-30)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Jacques Specx Governor-General Dutch East Indies

Portrait Jacques Specx Governor-General Dutch East Indies
Portrait of Jacques Specx, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Jacques Specx (born 1588). Governor General (1629-32). Halfway to the left

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Abraham Patras 1735-1737 Portrait Governor General

Abraham Patras 1735-1737 Portrait Governor General
Abraham Patras (1735-1737), Portrait of Abraham Patras, Governor General of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of Abraham Patras (1671-1737) Governor General (1735-37)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Adriaan Valckenier 1737-1741 Portrait Governor General

Adriaan Valckenier 1737-1741 Portrait Governor General
Adriaan Valckenier (1737-1741) Portrait of Adriaan Valckenier, Governor General of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of Adriaan Valckenier (1695-1751). Governor General (1737-41)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Dirk van Cloon 1730-1735 Portrait Governor General

Dirk van Cloon 1730-1735 Portrait Governor General
Dirk van Cloon (1730-1735), Portrait of Dirk van Cloon, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Dirk van Cloon (1684-1735) Governor General (1730-35). Standing halfway to the right

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Matthew de Haan 1725-1729 Portrait Governor-General

Matthew de Haan 1725-1729 Portrait Governor-General
Matthew de Haan (1725-1729) Portrait of Matthew de Haan, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Mattheus de Haan (1663-1729). Governor General (1725-29)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Christopher van Swoll 1713-1718 Portrait Swol

Christopher van Swoll 1713-1718 Portrait Swol
Christopher van Swoll (1713-1718), Portrait of Christopher van Swoll (Swol, Zwol), Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Christopher van Swoll (1663-1718)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Joan Maetsuyker Governor-General Dutch East Indies

Portrait Joan Maetsuyker Governor-General Dutch East Indies
Portrait of Joan Maetsuyker, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Joan Maetsuyker (1606-78). Governor General (1653-78). Half way, in oval, to the right. Top left the family crest

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Joan van Hoorn 1653-1711 Governor General 1704-09

Joan van Hoorn 1653-1711 Governor General 1704-09
Joan van Hoorn (1653-1711). Governor General (1704-09), Portrait of Joan van Hoorn (1653-1711). Governor General (1704-09). Half-body, in oval, command staff in the right hand

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Abraham van Riebeeck 1709-1713 Portrait 1653-1713

Abraham van Riebeeck 1709-1713 Portrait 1653-1713
Abraham van Riebeeck (1709-1713), Portrait of Abraham van Riebeeck (1653-1713). Governor General (1709-13). Standing, half-length, in oval, facing

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Frederiks Jacob 1822-1901 Governor General 1880-84

Frederiks Jacob 1822-1901 Governor General 1880-84
Frederiks Jacob (1822-1901). Governor General (1880-84), Portrait of Frederiks Jacob (1822-1901). Governor General (1880-84). Knee, standing with the stitch in the right hand, slightly to the left

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Pieter Mijer 1812-81 Governor General 1866-71

Pieter Mijer 1812-81 Governor General 1866-71
Pieter Mijer (1812-81). Governor General (1866-71), Portrait of Pieter Mijer (1812-81). Governor General (1866-71). Knee, standing, and face

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: James Loudon 1824-1900 Governor General 1871-75

James Loudon 1824-1900 Governor General 1871-75
James Loudon (1824-1900). Governor General (1871-75), Portrait of James Loudon (1824-1900). Governor General (1871-75). Knee, standing to the left, face and face

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Charles Ferdinand Pahud 1803-73 Governor General

Charles Ferdinand Pahud 1803-73 Governor General
Charles Ferdinand Pahud (1803-73). Governor General (1855-61), Portrait of Charles Ferdinand Pahud de Mortanges (1803-73). Governor General (1855-61)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Johan Wilhelm van Lansberge 1830-1906 Governor General

Johan Wilhelm van Lansberge 1830-1906 Governor General
Johan Wilhelm van Lansberge (1830-1906). Governor General (1875-1880), Portrait of Johan Wilhelm van Lansberge (1830-1906). Governor General (1875-1880)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Jan Jacob Rochussen Governor-General

Portrait Jan Jacob Rochussen Governor-General
Portrait of Jan Jacob Rochussen, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Jan Jacob Rochussen (1797-1871). Governor General (1845-51). Knee, standing to the left

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Cornelis Pijnacker Hordijk 1847-1908 Governor General

Cornelis Pijnacker Hordijk 1847-1908 Governor General
Cornelis Pijnacker Hordijk (1847-1908). Governor General (1888-93), Portrait of Cornelis Pijnacker Hordijk (1847-1908). Governor General (1888-93). Knee, standing, slightly to the right

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Albertus Jacob Duymaer van Twist 1809-87 Governor General

Albertus Jacob Duymaer van Twist 1809-87 Governor General
Albertus Jacob Duymaer van Twist (1809-87). Governor General (1851-55), Portrait of Albertus Jacob Duymaer van Twist (1809-87). Governor General (1851-55). Hip piece, standing, and face, in oval

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Ludolph Anne Jan Wilt Baron Sloet van de Beele

Ludolph Anne Jan Wilt Baron Sloet van de Beele (1806-90). Governor General (1861-66), Portrait of Ludolph Anne Jan Wilt Baron Sloet van de Beele (1806-90). Governor General (1861-66)

Background imageColonial Governor Collection: Portrait Dominique Jacques de Eerens Governor General

Portrait Dominique Jacques de Eerens Governor General
Portrait of Dominique Jacques de Eerens, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, Portrait of Dominique Jacques de Eerens (1781-1840) Governor General (1835-40). Knee, standing, and face



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The role of a colonial governor was one of immense power and influence, shaping the destiny of entire regions. These individuals, such as Rupert, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Cumberland, Earl of Holderness, were entrusted with the responsibility to govern colonies on behalf of their respective mother countries. One notable figure in this position was Sir Henry Vane. His portrait from 1742 showcases his dignified presence and intelligence that made him an illustrious person in Great Britain's history. Another prominent colonial governor was Sir Guy Carleton, depicted both in litho and oil on canvas. Carleton's leadership during crucial times left a lasting impact on the colonies he governed. Charles, 1st Marquess of Cornwallis also held the esteemed title of colonial governor. The oil painting capturing his image exudes authority and sophistication befitting his position. Prince Rupert is another name that stands out among these distinguished figures. The lithograph from 1835 immortalizes his regal appearance and contributions to colonial governance. The engraving titled "Recipients of the New Honours" symbolizes the recognition bestowed upon those who served as colonial governors for their dedication and achievements. Not all colonial governors were European nobility; some emerged from different backgrounds but proved equally influential. Peter Stuyvesant's depiction in New Amsterdam reflects his tenure as a strong leader who shaped the early days of Dutch colonization in America. John Archdale stands out as a notable figure among colonial governors due to his service in the Carolinas. His contribution played a significant role in shaping these southern colonies' development. Lastly, we have Governor Andros arriving in Connecticut back in 1687—a pivotal moment captured through art that signifies how these leaders exerted control over new territories under their jurisdiction. Whether they hailed from noble families or rose through other means to assume power, colonial governors like Rupert, Vane, Carleton, Cornwallis left indelible marks on the regions they governed.