George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland.

The Queen's Champion. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: 2673

Description: Hilliard was the leading painter of miniatures during the reign of Elizabeth I. This exceptional full-length miniature shows Cumberland as the Queen's Champion and Knight of Pendragon Castle at the Accession Day tournament in 1590. He wears black and white, the Queen's personal colours. Cumberland frequently took part in jousting competitions at the Greenwich tilt yard. It had been built by Henry VIII in the grounds of the Palace Greenwich, and was the scene of major tournaments throughout his reign and into the early 17th century, often as part of the state events. They were occasions for displays of wealth, chivalry and martial prowess, both for the court and visiting notables. During one tournament at Greenwich in January 1536, King Henry was thrown from his horse. He lay unconscious for two hours and never jousted again.

Creator: Nicholas Hilliard (1547-1619)

Date: 1590