Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset

Sitterback to top

• Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset (1587-1645), Favourite of James I. Sitter associated with 19 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619), Miniature painter. Artist associated with 33 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This miniature was probably painted around 1611, a momentous year for Carr in which he was created Viscount Rochester, installed as a Knight of the Garter and made keeper of Westminster Palace. He is shown in flamboyant costume with the blue ribbon of the Garter badge around his neck. The miniature is executed in watercolour on vellum which has been stuck to a playing card from the suit of diamonds.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Nicholl, Charles, Character Sketches: Elizabethan Writers, 1997, p. 43
• Nicholl, Charles, Insights: Shakespeare and His Contemporaries, 2005, p. 19
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 574
• Strong, Roy, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, 1969, p. 296

Portrait setback to top

• Miniatures: Highlights

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Jewellery
• Miniatures