Portrait of Charles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham, later 1st Earl of Nottingham

Executed in Hilliard's distinctive miniature style, the portrait showcases meticulous detail and intimacy, hallmarks of the artist's work. The use of a blue background, gold framing, and the incorporation of symbolic attire (e.g., the ruffled collar, dark hat) are consistent with Hilliard's approach to capturing the essence of his sitters within the constraints of a small format.

Created in 1576, the miniature was likely designed for wear or carriage, a common practice among the nobility to display allegiance or identity. Currently, it is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though originally attributed incorrectly to Henry Howard Earl of Northampton, reflecting potential historical confusion or mislabeling over time.

This work is emblematic of Hilliard's specialization in portraying Elizabethan and Jacobean court figures. It stands as a testament to the artistic preferences of the era, where miniature portraits served as personal, portable representations of wealth and lineage.

As part of Hilliard's oeuvre, the portrait contributes to the broader legacy of Elizabethan miniature painting, influencing subsequent generations of limners. Its preservation in a major museum collection ensures its role in educating about 16th-century English aristocratic culture and artistic techniques.