Sir Christopher Hatton

Object Type

This miniature was a rare experiment by Hilliard of a full-length miniature on a minute scale. Hilliard was attempting to challenge his former pupil and rival Isaac Oliver. Unfortunately, it reveals Hilliard's ignorance of Renaissance laws of perspective since the lines of the table and window go impossibly in opposite directions to and from the vanishing point. Hilliard seems as uncomfortable with this format as Hatton does, the whole effect being unfortunately cramped and squat. It was clearly an unsuccessful format and was quickly abandoned.

People

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Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor, rose rapidly in the Queen's favour, having first been Captain of the Guard in 1572. In this miniature he is shown wearing his robes of state and, as a Knight of the Order of the Garter, both its collar and on his left leg the garter itself. His ceremonial mace and seal bag are on the table to his right.

Ownership & Use

The dog at Hatton's feet was probably intended as a symbol of loyalty and it is possible that this miniature was intended for the Queen. Hatton in his youth was famed for his good looks and was one of the Queen's favourites. In old age she remained as devoted to her servant as he was to her.