Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) Cousin of King James VI & I

Location

Country: Czech Republic
City: Prague
Place: British Embassy

This is one of several portraits of Arabella thought to have been executed by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. The velvet cushion balancing on the arm of the chair is said to be characteristic of the artist’s work. It is likely that the portrait was painted shortly after Arabella’s cousin James came to the throne, but before her marriage to William Seymour. It was around this time, in 1603, that Sir Walter Raleigh was put on trial for conspiring to establish Arabella as Queen.

People

Lady Arabella Stuart (1612 - 1655)

Places

Subjects

female portrait, woman, 17th century costume, dress, ruff, necklace, pearls, curtain, carpet, cushion, chair

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

British 17th century unknown

Title

Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) Cousin of King James VI & I

Date

c.1605

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 200.00 cm, width: 117.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Leggat Bros., October 1947

Provenance

Possibly collection of Sir Matthew Hale; by descent to Mr R. G. Sherwood-Hale; by whom sold through Christie's, London, on 4 October 1946 (Lot 154), bought in; collection of E. Sherwood-Hale; by whom sold (on behalf of R. G. Sherwood-Hale deceased) through Christie's, London, on 14 February 1947 (Lot 157); from which sale purchased by Leggatt Bros. for £29.8.0; from whom purchased by the Ministry of Works in October 1947

GAC number

399