Endymion Porter (1587–1649) 1625 - 1635

John Hoskins made this portrait of Endymion Porter in the mid-17th century, using watercolor on vellum, encased in a locket. The artist has exploited the smooth, reflective surface of the vellum to create a sense of luminosity. Hoskins meticulously layered thin washes of pigment to build up the likeness of Porter, capturing the soft texture of his hair and the intricate details of his lace collar. The choice of watercolor on vellum speaks to a tradition of miniature portraiture, requiring a high level of skill and precision. But it also speaks to wealth. Consider the global trade required to furnish Porter's apparel: the linen of his collar, the dye of his cloak. Even the artist's materials would have been imported and expensive. Hoskins has preserved Porter for posterity, embedding him within a material culture of elite consumption. So while this may be 'just' a miniature, it reflects a world of making, labor, and access.