The artefact under examination is a lignum vitae pot with a silver repoussé lid, speculated to potentially have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. Purchased anonymously, its provenance raises questions, as the middleman provided limited details regarding its history. The pot features significant symbolism, including motifs that may connect to the Virgin Mary and allude to Mary Stuart's life and affiliations with the prestigious Talbot family. Despite its intriguing decorations, a definitive link to Mary or later figures like Arbella Stuart remains unproven. The analysis emphasizes the importance of provenance in antique acquisitions.
Tag: Mary Queen of Scots
Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619) & Isaac Oliver (1565-1617): Painters to the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts
Nicholas Hilliard was England’s first English artist to become internationally famous. His self portrait (© Victoria & Albert Museum, London) is a mere 41mm in diameter (1.6 inches) and it is for these exquisitely delicate and miniature images of Elizabeth I and her court that he becomes famous. I fell in love with Hilliard’s miniatures… Continue reading Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619) & Isaac Oliver (1565-1617): Painters to the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts
How we know the Movers & Shakers of Tudor Society
How does a 21st century audience recognise the shakers and movers of Tudor society? Clearly those historians who immerse themselves in documents will have a feel for the way they believe these men and women thought. Combine that with the use of the portrait as a propoganda tool and suddenly these influential people are no… Continue reading How we know the Movers & Shakers of Tudor Society
Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619)
Nicholas Hilliard 1577 (Copyright V&A Museum, London. 41mm dia) We know little about Nicholas Hilliard. The bare facts are that he was born in Exeter in about 1547, to Richard and Laurance Hilliard and was their eldest child. Richard Hilliard was a goldsmith and, together with John Bodley, was a leading light in Exeter society. … Continue reading Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619)
Melanie V Taylor 