Historic Antique Paintings

Description

A stunning portrait of excellent quality by a professional hand and not to be confused with many lesser standard works often sold at auction as a last resort due to their poor state and requiring expensive restorations.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nicholas Hilliard (c. 1547 – 7 January 1619)
Was an English goldsmith and limner best known for his portrait miniatures of members of the courts of Elizabeth I and James I of England. He mostly painted small oval miniatures, but also some larger cabinet miniatures, up to about ten inches tall, and at least two famous half-length panel portraits of Elizabeth.

ABOUT Mary Queen Of Scots 1542-1587
This is a fine oil Portraits on canvas of Mary Stuart ( Mary Queen Of Scots 1542-1587 ) one of many examples produced throughout the centuries since her death of a portrait known as the ‘Sheffield’ type

This depiction was previously thought to be derived after the original version as seen on display at Hardwicke Hall and was said to have been painted while Mary was in captivity at Sheffield Castle.
This is however questionable as the copied likeness here is most probably another of many derivations of Nicholas Hilliard’s works.

It is accepted that the production of this portrait type actually grew from James 1st idea of rehabilitating his mother’s legacy in the early 17th century.

James 1st never knew his mother, but sought to suppress her poor reputation when he became king of England in 1603.
His succession to the throne depended on his descent from Mary, and to have her remembered as a flawed, if cunning political opportunist could only harm his position.

Portraits of the type were produced to elevate the memory of Mary into the status of a pious victim who was very much misunderstood and was martyred for the good of Scotland.

This portrait of Mary Queen Of Scots is thus produced after her death and is a portrayal of her in mourning, depicted wearing the prominent cross on a long chain and with no conspicuous jewellery.

The portrait aims to convey redemption as a record of her likeness. She spent most of her childhood in France while Scotland was ruled by regents, and in 1558, she married Francis the Dauphin of France.
Soon widowed, Mary returned to Scotland, arriving in Leith in 1561. Four years later, she married her first cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and in 1566 they had a son, James.

CONDITION Very Good Order After Past Refurbishment.

FRAMED MEASUREMENTS :
Height 30.5 Inches ( 77.5 cm )
Width 24.5 Inches (62.5 cm )
Depth 2.35 Inches ( 6 cm )

DELIVERY: UK By Post £50 / Worldwide £150

PAYMENT METHOD
By Bank Transfer Only

TELEPHONE : 07547 617528

Our Ref CLC/039