The identity of the sitter has traditionally been known as that of the 'Countess of Stoke'. While there has never been an Earldom of Stoke, John Villiers was created Baron Stoke and Viscount Purbeck in 1619. It is thus possible that the sitter is one of his two wives or his son's wife, although this seems unlikely as they were styled 'Viscountess Purbeck'