Portrait of a Young Man, Probably Robert Devereux (1566–1601), Second Earl of Essex by Nicholas Hilliard

Nicholas Hilliard · 1588-01-01

Nicholas Hilliard's "Portrait of a Young Man" from 1588, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reveals a fascinating detail: it was designed to be worn. Hilliard was a master of the portrait miniature, creating small, jewel-like artworks for the English court during the Elizabethan era.

Look closely at the very top of the portrait, above the young man's curly hair. You'll spot a tiny gold pendant ring. This wasn't merely a frame; it was an integral part of the portrait's function.

These delicate works, often painted on vellum, were intimate tokens. They were exchanged between lovers, worn by courtiers as a sign of loyalty, or simply kept as personal keepsakes. This particular portrait is believed to depict Robert Devereux, the Second Earl of Essex.

It’s a reminder that art can be both public and profoundly personal, worn close to the heart.

Details

It was a tiny, wearable whisper of affection or allegiance.

The intricate, delicate lace collar is a testament to the artist's skill and the subject's status.

The voluminous, dark, curly hair frames his face and is a hallmark of Elizabethan fashion.

Transcript

This is a portrait by Nicholas Hilliard, from 1588. He painted tiny, jewel-like portraits for the Elizabethan court. Look closely at the top of the painting. Above his curly hair, you see a small gold ring. This portrait was meant to be worn, like a pendant. It was a tiny, wearable whisper of affection or allegiance.