We’ve selected a few key objects from our collection for you to explore. These are the highlights of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Nicholas Hilliard
James VI and I, 1566 - 1625. King of Scotland 1567 - 1625. King of England and Ireland 1603 - 1625about 1609On Display | PORTRAIT GALLERY
King James was the only child of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her second husband, Lord Darnley. This beautiful miniature shows him in an immaculately pale winged doublet and lace-edged standing collar, with the badge and blue sash of the Order of the Garter around his neck. Hilliard painted after James had inherited the throne of England from his mother's cousin, Elizabeth I, and moved to London, having ruled Scotland shrewdly and successfully for many years.
Glossary [2] Show
Miniature
A painting or drawing, usually a portrait, on a very small scale. These were popular prior to the invention of photographic portraits in the 19th century.
Order of the Garter
The most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. It now consists of 24 knights along with royal knights and some foreign monarchs. The badge of the order comprises the St George's Cross within a blue garter (the original emblem of the order), surrounded by radiating silver beams.
- Accession no. PGL 153
- Medium Watercolour on vellum
- Size Oval: 5.20 x 4.30 cm
- Credit Long loan in 2001
Nicholas Hilliard (English, 1547 - 1619)
Born in Exeter, Hilliard came from a family of miniature painters. His first known miniature was made when he was thirteen years old. Hilliard was apprenticed to Robert Brandon, a London goldsmith and became a freeman of the Goldsmiths' Company in 1569. In addition to painting miniatures, Hilliard also produced a number of full-length portraits. He enjoyed royal patronage and painted Elizabeth I from life in 1572 and 1600. James I also employed Hilliard from 1603, giving him many commissions for miniatures and medals.
Glossary [3] Show
Commission
When an individual or organisation employs an artist to execute a particular project, the process and the resulting work are termed a ‘commission’.
Miniature
A painting or drawing, usually a portrait, on a very small scale. These were popular prior to the invention of photographic portraits in the 19th century.
Patronage
The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.