ISAAC OLIVER (C. 1565-1617)
A Young Man Seated Under a Tree
c.1590-1595RCIN 420639
This Tudor miniature includes the first painted depiction of a knot garden. It was copied directly by Isaac Oliver from the most influential book of garden designs of his day, the Hortorum … formae, published in Antwerp in 1583. The formal garden contrasts with the grassy bower where the unknown young man meditates alone among forget-me-nots and heart’s-ease. His isolation contrasts with the couple strolling happily in the garden beyond, and his bold gaze seems to invite the viewer to join him in the garden.