Last Instructions to a Painter

"Last Instructions to a Painter" is a political satire poem by Andrew Marvell, written around 1667. It criticizes Lord Clarendon, the lord chancellor under Charles II, and reflects the political turmoil of the era. The poem uses the persona of a painter receiving instructions on how to depict events, serving as a vehicle for Marvell's sharp commentary on government and corruption. Marvell, a prominent Metaphysical poet, is known for his precise language and wit, often blending political critique with lyrical grace. The poem is a significant example of his later political verse, written after the restoration of Charles II.