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| Nicholas Hilliard (1547?–1619) | ||||||||||
| A miniature painter, born at Exeter, Nicholas was the younger son of Richard Hilliard, who served as high sheriff of Devon in 1560. Raised in the trade of a goldsmith and jeweller, he developed a passion for painting in miniature. He never used ivory for his miniatures, instead favouring card, chicken skin, or sometimes even the backs of playing cards. Nicholas was deeply influenced by the works of Holbein, whom he considered the finest model to follow. He was appointed goldsmith, carver, and portrait painter to Queen Elizabeth, painting her portrait several times. His talent was also recognised by James I, who granted him a patent as the principal drawer of small portraits and embosser of gold medals. The admiration for his work is evident in Dr Donne’s reference to it in his poem The Storm, where he wrote: 'A hand, or eye, by Hilliard drawn, is worth an history by a worse painter made.' Nicholas also authored an essay on miniature painting and engraved the great seal of England in 1587. He died in London. See also his family tree. | ||||||||||
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Art