Jones introduced into England a rigorous interpretation of the classical language of architecture, including the hierarchical use of the architectural orders and their attendant details arranged through the appropriate use of number, measure and proportion. His influence was curtailed by the English Civil War, 1642–1649, but enjoyed a great revival among Palladian architects of the eighteenth century. The most famous of his buildings are the Queen's House at Greenwich and the Banqueting House, Whitehall, London.

Dobson was of impoverished gentlemanly background, and had to earn his living by painting but fortunately had extraordinary talent as a portraitist in less than full-length formats (which were not his strength). Though his career was short, and its early part overshadowed by van Dyck, he became court painter on the latter's death in 1641. He was with Charles I in Oxford in 1642 during the Civil War and between then and his death he painted many of the Royalists. Although he also painted the royal children he does not appear to have painted the king. This portrait may itself have been painted at Oxford.