Artwork
Portrait of an unknown man
Portrait of an unknown man is a watercolor painting by Nicholas Hilliard. It dates from 1572 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This portrait, created by Nicholas Hilliard in 1572 on vellum, is a characteristic example of the artist's work. It is a small, intricately detailed painting.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a bearded man dressed in black, adorned with a green ribbon, gold pendant, and a black feathered hat, set against a blue background with gold inscription. The subject's identity remains unknown.
Technique & Style
Hilliard's refined and intimate style is evident in the portrait's fine details and delicate execution, reflecting his expertise as a goldsmith and limner.
History & Provenance
The portrait is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, exemplifying Hilliard's contribution to the visual culture of late 16th-century England through his portrait miniatures of court figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicholas Hilliard (c. 1547 – before 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…
Sir Anthony Mildmay, Knight of Apethorpe, Northamptonshire
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Young Man, Probably Robert Devereux (1566–1601), Second Earl of Essex
Portrait of a Woman
Sir Christopher Hatton
Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland
Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox
Elizabeth I of England
Rotbärtiger Mann
Portrait of a Man, identified as Anne de Montmorency (1493 - 1567)
Portrait of a Member of the Quaratesi Family
Portrait of Charles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham, later 1st Earl of Nottingham
Sir William Butts
Jacques d'Albon, seigneur de Saint-André (ca. 1505-1562), Marschall von Frankreich
Portrait of Charles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham, later 1st Earl of Nottingham
Portrait of a Knight of the Order of Calatrava, probably of the Sorias or Soreau Lineage (Sorel)
Portrait of a young Man
Portrait of Philippe de Croy, Duke of Aerschot
Portrait of a Nobleman
Male Portrait