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Elizabeth I's last favourite, 'a nature not to be ruled', Essex was the hot-headed and ambitious stepson of the Earl of Leicester. In his early years at court the queen was captivated by him and he was with her constantly, so that 'he cometh not to his own lodgings till birds sing in the morning'. Essex organised royal entertainments in his capacity as Master of the Horse. He wrote poetry, was a patron of writers and the dedicatee of numerous books. Confirmed as a popular hero when he took Cadiz in 1596, he lost his place at court as a result of his activities in Ireland in 1599. He tried to raise a rebellion against the Queen's ministers in 1601, which failed, and he was executed.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

Date

c.1597

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 218 x W 127.2 cm

Accession number

4985

Acquisition method

Purchased, 1974. On long-term loan to Montacute House, Somerset

Work type

Painting

National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Marcus Gheeraerts the younger

1561/1562–1635/1636

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