A miniature by Hilliard purchased by the Amis du Louvre in London

1. Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619)
Portrait of a Young Lady, 1605
Inscribed and dated : Ano Dni ·1605 Espoier me comforte
· Ætatis suæ · 16 ·
Miniature on velum - 55 x 45 cm
Paris, Musée du Louvre
Photo : Christie’s

December 10, 2007 — Acquisition — Paris, Musée du Louvre — The Societé des Amis du Louvre has purchased on 20 November at Christie’s, London, a miniature by Nicholas Hilliard representing A Young Lady of 16, probably a member of the Strangways family as suggested by their motto inscribed on the back, Espoier me comforte.

It is unusual for an authenticated work by the greatest English miniature artist of the Elizabethan era to be available on the art market, justifying its high price (£120.500). The Department of Graphic Arts thus acquires for its collections a second woman’s portrait by Nicholas Hilliard, following the one bought in Nancy in 1996.