John Hoskins

with long curling auburn hair, pointed beard and moustache, wearing a black slashed doublet over a chemise with scalloped lace collar, with the sash of the Order of the Garter, plum-coloured background

Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 2 November 1971, lot 42;
Anonymous sale, Bonhams London, 5 November 2002, lot 16

The background and skin tones have slightly faded and overall there is slight surface dirt consistent with age. There are three minor scratches upper right. None of this distracts from the harmonious composition of the portrait. For further information on this lot please contact either Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407) mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot dates from circa 1628 and is one of several posthumous portraits created by Hoskins following Buckingham's death in 1628. Other portraits survive in the Royal Collection and in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch. Hoskins has based this miniature on the full-length oil painted by Gerard van Honthorst (Royal Collection).

The sitter was the son of Sir George Villiers of Brokesby, and Mary, later Duchess of Buckingham. Villiers was greatly favoured by King James I and soon began to wield power. The King is said to have commented that 'Christ had his John and I have my George'. By 1618 Villiers was created Marquess of Buckingham and was appointed Lord High Admiral of England. In 1623 he was created both Earl of Coventry and Duke of Buckingham, and in this year became the Ambassador to Spain. At the accession of King Charles I, he became Gentleman of the Bedchamber, Chief Commissioner for War and General of the Fleet and the Army. In 1620 he married Katherine, daughter of Francis Manners, 6^th Earl of Rutland. Assassinated by the disgruntled navel officer John Felton on the 23^rd August 1628, he was buried in the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey.