In 2016, one of the most important miniature paintings of the Jacobean age – Isaac Oliver’s cabinet miniature of Edward, Lord Herbert of Cherbury –  was secured in perpetuity for Powis Castle in Wales. 

It was purchased by private treaty with the help of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund, the late Hon. Simon Sainsbury, Winifred Hooper, and National Trust members and supporters.

 

Perspectives

These essays take a close look at the miniature from different expert points of view.

In the first piece, Christine Slottved Kimbriel and Paola Ricciardi from the University of Cambridge reveal new discoveries that emerged from scientific analysis of the miniature at the Hamilton Kerr Institute.

The second article, by John Chu of the National Trust, explores the portrait’s sophisticated imagery in the context of court pageantry and metaphysical literary culture.

A closer look at the cabinet miniature of Lord Herbert of Cherbury

Read the article

Magic and Mystery: the 'secrete conceit' of a Jacobean cabinet miniature

Read the article

Activity

In 2019, the miniature joined the exhibition Elizabethan Treasures: Miniatures by Hilliard and Oliver at the National Portrait Gallery.

In 2018, the miniature formed the centrepiece of the exhibition House of Portraits at Powis Castle. A guidebook by John Chu accompanied the exhibition.

 

 

10 Jul 2018