Lot Essay
The sitter in this type of miniature has long been identified as Mary Queen of Scots and it was George Vertue who described the source in detailing the sale of the Duchess of Hamilton's effects in 1745 'Mary Qu of Scots, this is the original limning which the Duke of Hamilton had recovered and valued most extremely - showd it at Court and everywhere from thence for the true genuine picture of the Queen everywhere from thence it was coppyed in water colours enamel many and many times for all person pining after it thousands of ill immitated copyes spread everywhere-this the picture itself-tho amended by or repaird by L. Crosse who was ordered to make it as beautifull as he coud-by the Duke...'.(G. Vertue, 'Note Books', Walpole Society, Vol. V, p. 46).