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Detail from showing paintings hanging on the wall of Buckingham House
Royal Portraiture

The Royal Collection holds royal portraits from visual works to decorative arts

NICHOLAS HILLIARD (1547-1619)

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

c.1595-1600

RCIN 421029

Nicholas Hilliard (c.1547–1619) was the preeminent miniaturist of the Elizabethan court, and painted many portraits of Elizabeth I. Such portraits became the standard likeness of the Queen, reproduced in paintings and prints.

This miniature measures less than 5.5 centimetres across, and was designed to be carried on one's person. These small portraits were portable, personal reminders of the sitter, and a sign of loyalty, fidelity or respect. 


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.