Portrait of Edward VI (1537-1553), half-length, wearing a black jewel-embellished, embroidered coat and a court bonnet, with a glove in his right hand

Although the identity of the present artist remains unknown, his distinct hand can be identified in a series of portraits of English monarchs, from King Henry V to Edward VI, commissioned by Ralph Sheldon (1537-1613). A wealthy tapestry manufacturer and patron of the arts from Warwickshire, Sheldon acquired Weston Park in the 1580s, where the series was made to hang in the Long Gallery. Upon Sheldon's death, the group passed into the possession of Ralph Sheldon (1623-84), the antiquarian and author at Weston Park, where they remained until sold by Messrs Christie & Ansell in 1781 on the death of William Sheldon in 1780. Other known examples from the series include a portrait of Cardinal Wolsey (National Portrait Gallery, London), and a portrait of King Richard III in the Berger Collection (Denver Art Museum).