Lot 51: JOHN HOSKINS (BRITISH, C. 1590-1665)

A gentleman, in black silk doublet with black buttons, high white ruff and black skull cap
signed with monogram 'IH' (mid-right)
on vellum
oval, 2 1/16 in. (53 mm.) high, gilt-metal frame, the reverse engraved with initial 'M', surmounted by a coronet

THE PROPERTY OF THE LATE EDITH HOARE

The present miniature by John Hoskins is a fine example of his early style of painting, characteristic of the techniques employed by the leading artists of the time, namely Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver. The artist's monogram took on different forms during his long career, and the motif on the present portrait shows that it was executed during the 1620s. Other miniatures by Hoskins bearing the same monogram include a portrait of James I and an Unknown Lady in the Victoria and Albert Museum (see J. Murdoch, 17th Century Miniatures in the Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1997, nos. 21 and 22, a list of the artist's monograms p. 340.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.