An unknown woman, possibly Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox

Sitterback to top

• Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (1515-1578), Mother of Lord Darnley. Sitter associated with 10 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6233 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The identification of this portrait as Margaret Douglas is not certain, but is based upon facial similarity to other known portraits. Margaret held a powerful position at the Scottish court; she was the half-sister of James V of Scotland and aunt (and later mother-in-law) to Mary, Queen of Scots. She was a strong supporter of the Roman Catholic faith and lost no opportunity to advance her family's status. When instigating the marriage between her son, Lord Darnley, and Mary, Queen of Scots, Margaret presented the Scottish nobility with jewellery to encourage their acceptance of the marriage.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 688
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 199

Subject/Themeback to top

• Jewellery