Portrait of a Youth

Portrait of a YouthPossibly painted by a gifted amateur miniaturist, probably a man. It is possible to draw this conclusion from the miniature's early dating: it is only in the 18th century, in fact, that women took to miniature painting as a hobby, an activity that before was predominantly seen as a gentleman's pursuit.

verso: 'Miss Gliddon/ Gift (artist H

probably from a late-sixteenth century North Italian prototype

This picture has just returned from conservation as part of a major project funded by the Getty Foundation

Venetia Stanley (1600-33) was famous for her dazzling beauty and notorious for the sexual licence of her youth

about 75% of all known Cuyps were in British collections

The illustration is taken from an old photograph

who made this very copy for his own pleasure

Hearn and T

the blind Isaac

of the air circulating round every branch

although sporting scenes and hunt trophies were more usual subjects than live domestic creatures

Conceivably they are the Daughters of Jerusalem who followed Christ on his way to Calvary