Lady Elizabeth Cecil Burghley, nee Drury
William Larkin (early 1580s–1619) was an English painter active from 1609 until his death in 1619, known for his iconic portraits of members of the court of James I of England which captured in brilliant detail the opulent layering of textiles, embroidery, lace, and jewellery characteristic of fashion in the Jacobean era, as well as representing numerous fine examples of oriental carpets.
He emerged from total obscurity in 1952 with the publication of his only securely attributed works, a pair of small oval portraits at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire. The sitters were Lord Herbert of Cherbury, who mentioned his portrait in his celebrated autobiography, and his friend Sir Thomas Lucy. Subsequently, on circumstantial evidence, several other portraits have been attributed to Larkin. They are in a very distinctive vein: full-lengths featuring elaborate Turkey carpets, dazzling metallic curtains, and poses of a starched magnificence, notably a breathtaking group at Kenwood House, London.
Lady Elizabeth Cecil Burghley, nee Drury
William Larkin (early 1580s–1619) was an English painter active from 1609 until his death in 1619, known for his iconic portraits of members of the court of James I of England which captured in brilliant detail the opulent layering of textiles, embroidery, lace, and jewellery characteristic of fashion in the Jacobean era, as well as representing numerous fine examples of oriental carpets.
He emerged from total obscurity in 1952 with the publication of his only securely attributed works, a pair of small oval portraits at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire. The sitters were Lord Herbert of Cherbury, who mentioned his portrait in his celebrated autobiography, and his friend Sir Thomas Lucy. Subsequently, on circumstantial evidence, several other portraits have been attributed to Larkin. They are in a very distinctive vein: full-lengths featuring elaborate Turkey carpets, dazzling metallic curtains, and poses of a starched magnificence, notably a breathtaking group at Kenwood House, London.