William Harvey (1578–1657) is famous for his discoveries concerning the circulation of the blood. He originally studied the arts at Cambridge University, but after graduating he moved to Padua, Italy, where he studied medicine with the famous teacher Fabricius. After returning to London he became physician to James I and Charles I.

The portrait was one of only two paintings rescued from the Royal College of Physicians during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was painted around 1650, shortly before Harvey’s death in 1657. It has been attributed to the Dutch artist Cornelius Johnson, although this is disputed. The portrait has sustained a great deal of damage, and as a result has been heavily restored. Harvey’s right hand, for example, appears distorted and is probably the work of an eighteenth century restorer.