James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton (1589-1625) dated 1622
Oil on canvas | 221.3 x 136.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 402897
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James Hamilton, the Second Marquis of Hamilton filled a number of offices in the service of James I, including that of Lord High Commissioner to the Scottish Parliament. The sitter is depicted holding his hat and the white staff of the Lord Steward of the Household, wearing the ribbon of the Garter.
Hamilton wears a doublet and matching breeches of brown fabric decorated with bands of precious metal thread, leather gloves and a multi-layered falling ruff of linen trimmed with lace. His leather riding boots are decorated with butterfly shaped spur leathers which hold the spurs in position. He also holds a black hat in his left hand and wears the Lesser George on a blue sash around his neck. His moustache and beard are carefully trimmed and waxed.
The painting appears in Pyne's illustrated 'Royal Residences' of 1819, hanging over the mantle in the Throne Room at Hampton Court Palace (RCIN 922131).
Inscribed on the contemporary, but damaged cartellino: Jacobus Marchis Hamiltoniae / aetatis suae . 44 Ano Dni: 1622Provenance
Probably painted for Charles I; recorded in the Bear Gallery at Whitehall in 1639 (no 30); sold from there to Grynder and others for £20 on 23 October 1651 (no 12); recovered at the Restoration and listed in the Balcony Room next to the Queen's Bedchamber at Hampton Court in 1688 (no 1046)
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
221.3 x 136.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)