England, 16th century / c. 1590–93
Sir Anthony Mildmay, Knight of Apethorpe, Northamptonshire
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Sir Anthony Mildmay, Knight of Apethorpe, Northamptonshire as portrait miniature (England, 16th century · c. 1590–93).
A little dog gazes adoringly at Mildmay who was by all accounts a very arrogant man.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this portrait miniature as Watercolor on vellum, laid on card, mounted on wood and credits Nicholas Hilliard (English, c. 1547–1619).
The museum's collection notes: Framed by the folds of a circular tent, Sir Anthony Mildmay strikes a relaxed and confident pose, with his right hand resting on a cloth-covered table and his left grasping the hilt of his thin, double-edged sword called a rapier. Helmet, gauntlet, and leg coverings are scattered about, as if Mildmay has been interrupted in the act of putting on or taking off his armor. Despite its small scale, this portrait reveals Nicholas Hilliard’s emulation of (and rivalry with) life-size court portraiture, while his meticulous attention to detail and use of costly materials like shell gold reflect the refined world of courtly tournaments.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSir Anthony Mildmay, Knight of Apethorpe, NorthamptonshireOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.