Chapter 1
The late bloomer's big entrance
Chapter 2
Painting in miniature
Chapter 3
The stage is set
Chapter 4
Science, spells, and the starry sky
YOUR GOAL
Master of The quirky rebirth of Tudor England
Ch 2 · Painting in miniature
andy Renaissance Portrait Miniatures
A secret painting on a playing card—(on a card!) Locked in a jewel right by my heart—(by my heart!) With squirrel-hair brushes so ultra-fine—(ultra-fine!)
andy Artists like Hilliard painted Queen Elizabeth I with smooth, unblemished skin and elaborate red wigs to project eternal
andy A luminous fresco style depiction of Nicholas Hilliard's masterpiece Youth Among Roses.
Fun Fact
Playing card canvas: Nicholas Hilliard painted his delicate portrait miniatures on pieces of playing cards, which provided the perfect stiff backing for thin vellum.
Glossary
limning (noun)
The art or practice of painting, especially the creation of detailed portrait miniatures. Nicholas Hilliard popularized this technique in Elizabethan England, painting exquisite small-scale portraits of the royal court.
The art or practice of painting, especially the creation of detailed portrait miniatures. Nicholas Hilliard popularized this technique in Elizabethan England, painting exquisite small-scale portraits of the royal court.
Quiz
What was the official title given to Nicholas Hilliard as the queen's miniature painter?
Quiz
In Elizabethan portrait symbolism, what did a dog painted next to a person typically represent?
Quiz
What was the name of the standardized, ageless template used to paint Queen Elizabeth I after 1590?
Quiz
What material did Nicholas Hilliard use as the stiff backing for his delicate miniature paintings?
Quiz
Which foreign artist came to England in 1526 and painted famous, lifelike portraits of Henry VIII's court?
Quiz
Which precious metal did Nicholas Hilliard use to paint three-dimensional details on his miniatures?
Quiz
In Nicholas Hilliard's 1587 miniature 'Youth Among Roses', what did the roses symbolize?