Sir Thomas Smyth

Sir Thomas Smythe or Smith, (1558-1625) was an English merchant, politician and colonial administrator. He was the first governor of the East India Company and treasurer of the Virginia Company from 1609 to 1620 until enveloped by scandal. From Houbraken's series of portrait engravings set within elaborate cartouches titled 'The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain'. They were published by Knapton originally C1740, this impression is c1820. Jacobus Houbraken was a Dutch line engraver who is known best for this series of portraits.