Netherlandish, second half 16th/ 17th Century

facing left in full classical armour wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece, inscribed: REX PHILIPVS AUS DEI GRATIA ANGLIAE SCOTIAE ET HIBERNIA

Philip II (1527-98) was, after his marriage in 1554 to Queen Mary I (daughter of Henry VIII), joint sovereign of England and Ireland until the death of the Queen in 1558. However, Scotland was not united with England and Ireland until the accession of James I (VI of Scotland). This interesting wood portrait, possibly intended as a model for a medallion, was presumably produced because of the error of the inscription. The portrait of Philip II is after the profile by Leone Leone.