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Nicholas Hilliard

Life of an Artist
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
This illustrated biography explores the extraordinary life of Nicholas Hilliard (c. 1547–1619), tracing his journey from the West Country to the epicentre of the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts. Featuring groundbreaking archival research and beautiful colour reproductions of his miniature portraits—which have defined how key figures of this volatile period appear—Hilliard’s clientele spanned monarchs such as Elizabeth I, James I, and Mary, Queen of Scots, explorers like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, and influential European patrons including the Medici and Valois. Marking the 400th anniversary of his death, this definitive biography celebrates one of Britain's most distinguished artists.
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Format: Hardback
$9599
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Ideal for readers interested in arts and culture, particularly those passionate about British history, portraiture, and the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. Suitable for academics, art historians, and anyone drawn to richly illustrated biographies that combine rigorous research with visual splendour.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This illustrated biography follows Nicholas Hilliard’s long and remarkable life (c. 1547–1619) from the West Country to the heart of the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts. It showcases new archival research and stunning images, many reproduced in colour for the first time.

Hilliard’s portraits—some no larger than a watch-face—have decisively shaped perceptions of the appearances and personalities of many key figures in one of the most exciting, if volatile, periods in British history. His sitters included Elizabeth I, James I, and Mary, Queen of Scots; explorers Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh; and members of the emerging middle class from which he himself hailed.

Hilliard counted the Medici, the Valois, the Habsburgs, and the Bourbons among his Continental European patrons and admirers. Published to mark the 400th anniversary of Hilliard’s death, this is the definitive biography of one of Britain’s most notable artists.

Nicholas Hilliard is published in association with the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Financial Times praises Elizabeth Goldring's flair in storytelling, likening the book’s vividness to her previous work on Robert Dudley. The Literary Review calls it an engaging, authoritative volume enriched with gorgeous illustrations and fresh archival insights. Coverage in relation to the National Portrait Gallery’s Hilliard retrospective hails it as scholarly yet full of insight and intrigue, encouraging readers to truly observe Hilliard’s artistry and courtly context.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300241426

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 12 February 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 250 color illus.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 197.0mm

Height: 279.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Elizabeth Goldring is an honorary associate professor at the Centre for the Study of the Renaissance at the University of Warwick and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

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