Circle of François Clouet, circa 1570

Details

Circle of François Clouet, circa 1570

A Fine Portrait Miniature of a Nobleman, facing left in black doublet, high ruff, black cap with feather and jewelled hat band, double chain of pearl clusters divided by jewelled clasps, blue background within gold border

on vellum, gold frame, the reverse with chased strapwork, the borders with paired foliage on a black enamel ground, with three pendent pearls
oval, 1 5/8in. (41mm.) high

Provenance

C. H. T. Hawkins, Bignor Park; Christie's, 16 May 1904, lot 1028, as William Lord Burghley (27 gns. to Hodgkins)
J. Pierpont Morgan; Christie's, 24 June 1935, lot 112, as a Portrait of William, Lord Burghley by Nicholas Hilliard (110 gns. to Dr. Beets)

Literature

G. C. Williamson, Catalogue of the Collection of Miniatures, the property of J. Pierpont Morgan, London, 1906, I, no. 28, p. 35

Lot Essay

The fashion for flat hats sewn with a band of jewelled clasps appears to have been introduced in France at the time of Henri III and continued well into the next century. Although there is a possibility that our sitter may represent one of the elegant gentlemen with which Henri III surrounded himself, he is more likely to be a courtier from the time of Charles IX

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