The presumed sitter was the eldest son of Sir John Evelyn of Kingston and Godstone (1555 - 1627) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of William Stevens of Kingston. He lived at Lee Place, Godstone, and was Member of Parliament for Bletchingley. He married Thomasine, daughter of William Heynes of Chessington; they had two sons and two daughters. He died on 18 January 1664