Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Depicted as a young man, this fine portrait of this historically important aristocrat is 16th century in style, but is probably 17th century, based on a three quarter length portrait formerly in the collection of the Earl of Carlisle (now in the NPG) by an unknown Anglo-Dutch artist; previously attributed to Steven van der Meulen.
To his right the Norfolk coat of arms.
The painting is Anglo-Netherlandish in style and is a sophisticated work. The painting method is straightforward but with some fine brushwork and modelling, especially in the face. The paint layers are thinly applied and subtle pigment mixtures and brushwork are used.
THOMAS HOWARD, 4th Duke of Norfolk, (born March 10, 1538, Kenninghall, Norfolk, England—died June 2, 1572, London), English nobleman executed for his intrigues against Queen Elizabeth I on behalf of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, a Roman Catholic claimant to the English throne.
He was the son of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, who was put to death for alleged treasonable activities in 1547. Restored to his father’s title on the accession of Queen Mary Tudor in 1553, he succeeded his grandfather as Duke of Norfolk in 1554. Norfolk was in favour with both Queen Mary and her successor, Elizabeth I. He commanded the English forces that invaded Scotland in 1559–60, and he presided over the commission that inquired in 1568 into the quarrel between Mary Stuart and Scotland’s Protestant nobility.
Mary had just fled to England, where she became Elizabeth’s prisoner. Norfolk listened readily to suggestions from the Scottish statesman William Maitland and others that the difficulties between England and Scotland could be resolved if Norfolk would wed Mary and have her declared Elizabeth’s successor. Norfolk, however, was neither bold enough to ask Elizabeth’s consent for the match nor disloyal enough to raise an insurrection against her. Instead, several Roman Catholic nobles in northern England revolted in an attempt to free the Queen of Scots, marry her to Norfolk, and restore Roman Catholicism to England. The uprising was suppressed, and in October 1569 Elizabeth had Norfolk arrested. He was released the following August, but he soon allowed himself to be drawn into the plot of Roberto Ridolfi, an Italian merchant living in London, for the murder of Queen Elizabeth followed by a Spanish invasion of England and installation of Mary on the English throne. Discovery of the plot led to Norfolk’s imprisonment and execution. (Encylopaedia Britannica)
SIZE: 19.75 x 14.45 inches including the frame.
PROVENANCE: Old Shropshire Private Collection. VERSO: Several old labels, including the coat of arms and name of a previous owner and a collection number.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, 17th C; Anglo-dutch Manner.
