Elizabeth Hardwick, (‘Bess of Hardwick’), Countess of Shrewsbury (1520-1608)
probably Rowland Lockey (c.1565 – London 1616)
National Trust Inventory Number 1129102
| Category |
Paintings |
| Date |
1590 (after) |
| Materials |
Oil on canvas |
| Measurements |
1025 x 780 mm |
| Place of origin |
|
This portrait of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, popularly known as Bess of Hardwick, shows her after the death of her fourth and last husband, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, in 1590. She was a resolute and ambitious woman, a collector and a builder on an almost unprecedented scale, and possessed wealth affording her every indulgence. Her supreme monument is the house that she built at Hardwick, perhaps the least altered and most atmospheric of all Elizabethan ‘prodigy houses’.
This portrait is displayed at Hardwick against the background of the famous series of Flemish tapestries that Bess had acquired from Sir Christopher Hatton. It was probably painted by Rowland Lockey, an apprentice of Nicholas Hilliard. He is recorded as having worked as a miniaturist for Bess in 1592, and from 1608 he was patronized by William, Lord Cavendish (later Earl of Devonshire) for whom he appears to have painted many copies of earlier pictures.
Summary description
Oil painting on canvas, Elizabeth Hardwick, (‘Bess of Hardwick’) Countess of Shrewsbury (1520-1608) probably by Rowland Lockey (c.1565 – London 1616) Three-quarter length portrait, turned slightly to the left, her right hand resting on table, wearing black cap and gown, ruff,lace at cuffs, multi-strand rope/s of pearls.
Marks and inscriptions
on label at bottom of frame Elizabeth Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury
Makers and roles
probably Rowland Lockey (c.1565 – London 1616), artist
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