Robert Walker (1599–1658): A Portraitist of the Interregnum Robert Walker, a name perhaps less familiar than those of his contemporaries, nevertheless holds a unique and fascinating position in English art history. Born around 1600/1601 in London, he emerged as a portrait painter during a turbulent period – the Interregnum (1649-1660) under Oliver Cromwell’s rule. While his output is often characterized by a certain derivative quality, particularly when compared to the works of Anthony van Dyck, Walker's association with the Parliamentarians and his ability to capture the likenesses of key…