William Dobson, 1611–October 28, 1646, was an English portrait painter born in London. He was apprenticed to the painter and print seller William Peake and may also have trained with Francis Cleyn.

Following the death of Anthony van Dyck in 1641, Dobson became associated with the royal court of Charles I. During the English Civil War he worked in Oxford and London, painting the king’s supporters, courtiers, and military officers in oil.

After the Royalist defeat, Dobson returned to London, where he was briefly imprisoned for debt. He died in 1646 and was buried at St Martin-in-the-Fields. His paintings are held by the National Portrait Gallery, Tate, National Galleries Scotland, and other British and international collections.