Portrait of Silken Tom

Portrait of Silken Tom

1825

1513-1537

Sarah Countess of Essex

This is a water color and gouache on paper piece of Thomas Fitzgerald, or "Silken Tom". Thomas Fitzgerald was the 10th Earl of Kildare who became head of the Kildare Dynasty after his father died in England. Thomas was appointed the head of the house when his father, Gerald, was summoned to England to answer for several charges against the king’s allies in Ireland. Gerald Thomas was held prisoner in the Tower of London where he eventually died of illness. News spread to Ireland, however, that Gerald Fitzgerald had been executed which enraged Thomas. He marched into the council at St. Mary's Abby in Dublin and denounced Henry VIII. He then gathered forces from many families that sympathized with his cause. Thomas Fitzgerald attacked Dublin Castle in July and was incredibly unsuccessful. After this defeat he lost many of his supporters who believed he was too weak to overthrow Henry VIII's rule in Ireland.

"Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth" Published 1825

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Art

The Stapleton Collection

Andrew Cromer

Painting