Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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A favourite of Elizabeth I, Southampton had become earl two days before his eighth birthday. A lover of literature, he is the only known patron of Shakespeare, who dedicated Venus and Adonis to him (1593). In 1601, having fallen out of favour with the Queen, Southampton was involved in a failed rebellion with his close friend the Earl of Essex. Condemned to death when the rebellion failed, his punishment was commuted to life imprisonment and he was released by James I. Southampton was known at court for his flamboyant appearance, particularly his auburn hair which he wore long.
The inscription refers to Southampton's son, Thomas, who became the 4th Earl and Lord Treasurer of England under King Charles II.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton

Date

c.1618 (?)

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 88.9 x W 68.6 cm

Accession number

52

Acquisition method

Purchased, 1858. On long-term loan to Montacute House, Somerset

Work type

Painting

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