It was Cecil, however, who administered, from across the ocean, the important affairs of the colony. His liberal religious outlook in an age of intolerance and his wisdom in granting the colonists increasing legislative power laid the foundations for peace and tolerance in Maryland –conditions seldom approached by the other English colonies. Cecil died after forty – two years of wise, farseeing service as proprietor of Maryland, interrupted only for three years under the Protectorate, after which Cromwell restored his privileges, in 1675. He never had an opportunity to visit the colony to which his energies had been devoted.

Thanks to the good counsel which Cecil gave his young brother, Governor Leonard Calvert, and the men selected to assist him in conducting the government, the colony's affairs prospered in spite of the trouble-makers, Claiborne and Ingle, and the insurrection of the Puritans. The Governor's firm dealings with the Indians bore fruit in securing comparative harmony, in marked contrast with the experiences of settlers in Virginia and New England.

This portrait, which is signed by Gerard Soest, court painter to King Charles II, shows Cecil Calvert standing, holding in his right hand the map of Maryland which he published in 1635 to promote his colonizing plans. At his side is his young grandson and namesake, Cecil, son of Charles Calvert, governor of Maryland. In 1669-1670 the governor made a visit to England, taking his family with him-–the occasion when the painting was made. The boy, born in Maryland, was the heir apparent to the title but died in 1681. In the background appears a young attendant. A masterpiece of the artist, the portrait exhibits with remarkable skill Calvert's strength of character.