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Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

(1532 or 1533-1588), Courtier and magnate; favourite of Elizabeth I

Sitter associated with 66 portraits
Courtier and influential favourite of Elizabeth I, he was the Queen's only serious English suitor. Made Master of the Horse at Elizabeth's accession, he joined the Privy Council in 1562, and was created Earl of Leicester and Baron of Denbigh in 1564. Leicester commanded the unsuccessful force against Spain in the Netherlands (1585), and was involved in a number of scandals and intrigues.

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Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist - NPG 447

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

by Unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist
oil on panel, circa 1575
On display in Room 1 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 447

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Unknown artist - NPG 5475

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

by Unknown artist
marble bust, late 18th century or 19th century
NPG 5475

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem) - NPG D21135

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

by Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem)
line engraving, 1580s?
NPG D21135

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem) - NPG D20904

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

by Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem)
line engraving, circa 1585-1587
NPG D20904

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, after Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem) - NPG D21136

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

after Christoffel van Sichem (Voschem)
line engraving, after 1588
NPG D21136

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, by Unknown artist - NPG D25144

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

by Unknown artist
line engraving, possibly early to mid 17th century
NPG D25144

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, published by Compton Holland - NPG D25150

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

published by Compton Holland
line engraving, early 17th century
NPG D25150

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