Ludovick Stuart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and Duke of Richmond (1574-1624) 1623-25
Oil on canvas | 218.8 x 137.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405664
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Ludovick Stuart, Second Duke of Lennox and Duke of Richmond was a cousin of James I and filled a number of high offices at court, including that of Lord Steward (1615) - here he is depicted carrying the white staff of office for that role. This picture may have been painted to celebrate Lennox’s elevation to the Dukedom of Richmond in 1623 – his ducal coronet sits on the table to one side. This appears to be a studio version of the painting in the Earl of Radnor’s collection.
The Duke wears a voluminous long nightgown of red silk, probably embroidered with gold thread, and lined with red silk plush over a crimson cloth-of-gold doublet decorated with ribbon points and full breeches. On his head is an embroidered nightcap lined with a linen nightcap decorated with a deep band of expensive lace. His shoes have open sides and fasten with a latchet strap. They are constructed from patterned white silk or leather and are decorated with ornate shoe roses. He also wears the Garter and ribbon of the Order.Provenance
Presumably painted for James I; recorded in the Bear Gallery at Whitehall in 1639 (no 16); sold from there to Grynder and others for £20 on 23 October 1651 (no 16); recovered at the Restoration and listed in the Queen's Gallery at Hampton Court in 1666 (no 22)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
218.8 x 137.9 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
235.6 x 154.6 x 7.2 cm (frame, external)