About this artwork

A lifelong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, George Seton helped her escape from Holyrood Palace after the murder of David Rizzio. Between 1570 and 1572 Seton was in the Southern Netherlands acting as her ambassador to the Duke of Alva. In the final year of the visit, Frans Pourbus, the Elder painted the original portrait, after which this copy was made. It shows Seton and his family, with each sitter identified by their initials and age. They are, clockwise: Sir John Seton; Robert, 1st Earl of Winton; George 5th Lord Seton; Margaret; Alexander, 1st Earl of Dunfermline and Sir William (Gulielmus).

Updated before 2020

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