Portrait of a Woman 1597

Nicholas Hilliard, a renowned English miniaturist, created this exquisite portrait in 1597. The oval-shaped miniature, measuring a mere 1 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (47 x 39 mm), is set within a lavish gold frame studded with diamonds. This tiny artwork, now residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, showcases Hilliard's mastery of enamel painting. The subject's delicate features, elegant attire, and refined presentation are hallmarks of the artist's style. This exquisite miniature exemplifies the popularity of portraiture among the English aristocracy in the late 16th century.