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Lot Essay
James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton (1589-1625), who John Chamberlain claimed was 'held the gallantest gentlemen' of both England and Scotland, was the son John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton (1539-1604) and Margaret, daughter of John Lyon, 7th Baron Glamis. A prominent courtier in the reign of King James I, he was appointed a Privy Councillor for Scotland in 1613 and for England in 1617, a Gentleman of the Bedchamber in 1621, and this portrait type celebrates his appointment as Lord Steward of the King's household. The favour in which he was held at court was reflected in his appointment as the King's commissioner to the Scottish Parliament, and his keepership of the palace of Holyroodhouse; he also acted as a commissioner in the negotiations for the marriage of Prince Charles and the Spanish Infanta and was charged with receiving the Infanta on her arrival in England in May 1623 and was made a Knight of the Garter in 1623.
The original of this portrait type is thought likely to be that formerly at Hamilton Palace, which was bought back for the Hamilton collection at Lennoxlove when it appeared at Christie's in Viscount Furness's sale on 28 March 1947, lot 41 (now Scottish National Portrait Gallery). Autograph versions of the type are recorded in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle and at Hopetoun, while other contemporary copies are recorded at Knole and in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (see O. Millar, op.cit., p. 88).
The original of this portrait type is thought likely to be that formerly at Hamilton Palace, which was bought back for the Hamilton collection at Lennoxlove when it appeared at Christie's in Viscount Furness's sale on 28 March 1947, lot 41 (now Scottish National Portrait Gallery). Autograph versions of the type are recorded in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle and at Hopetoun, while other contemporary copies are recorded at Knole and in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (see O. Millar, op.cit., p. 88).