Nicholas Hilliard

Nicholas Hilliard (c. 1547 in Exeter, † January 7, 1619 in London ) was an English miniature painter and seal cutter of the Elizabethan age. He also worked as a portrait painter, drawings, however, are obtained only a few. His clients initially belonged to Queen Elizabeth I and later James I and the court nobility.

From 1562 Hilliard was trained by the royal jeweler Robert Brandon as a goldsmith; 1569 he was appointed master. Hilliard is considered the first English painter whose resume and work is documented in some detail. Stylistically, his works show a close to Hans Holbein the Younger, he calls together with Albrecht Dürer in his treatise The Art of limning as a master, but without having known her personally. His art works are, especially compared to the same time emerging early Baroque, as extremely conservative and low contrast, but is also characterized by great emotional empathy into his models.

In 1604 he was replaced in his position as a court portrait and miniature painter by his former pupil Isaac Oliver. His numerous miniatures are now kept in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Youth among roses, 1588

Henry Percy, "The Wizard Earl ", 1594

James I to 1603