George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628), Courtier; favourite of James I

Sitter associated with 48 portraits
The handsome but unscrupulous George Villiers was the most notorious of all James I's favourites. From humble beginnings as cupbearer in the royal household he rose with astonishing speed through the ranks of the aristocracy, becoming Duke of Buckingham in 1623. He exercised great influence over both James I and his son, Charles I, though was generally regarded with suspicion and dislike by the rest of the court. He was murdered by a discharged officer of the navy in 1628.