Nicholas HilliardEnglish, 1547–1619Self-portrait, aged 30
May one see it?
Yes, receiving visitors
Victoria and Albert Museum
RoomPortrait Miniatures, Room 90a, The International Music and Art Foundation GalleryLondon, United Kingdom
On public display.
- Checked
- 7 days ago
- In this state since
- Sep 25, 2026
- Source
- The museum's own collection data
About the painting
Nicholas Hilliard was born into the prosperous trading classes, the son of a goldsmith. By 1572 he had begun to work for Queen Elizabeth I.
This self-portrait marks Hilliard's first encounter with the Renaissance ideal of the artist as an individual of genius. Dating from Hilliard's visit to France in 1576-1578, its mood is very much that of the portraiture of the art-loving French court, where artists enjoyed a far higher status than their English counterparts. Its boldness and brilliance demand recognition of Hilliard’s genius, and express his aspirations to the status of a gentleman, not a tradesman. The reality on Hilliard's return to England was less ideal. A permanent position at court with all its attendant privileges eluded him, and he was compelled to set up as an artist in the City of London like any other craftsman.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Particulars
- Accession number
- P.155-1910
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum: the museum's own open data · fetched 7 days ago
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Meanwhile, in the life of Nicholas Hilliard
The whole life1570–1576 · Workplace
London
1576–1578
Travel: France
1578–1619 · Workplace
London
