An oval miniature, on vellum, set within a rectangular dark-stained fruitwood veneer frame and signed with initials and dated ‘IH\1644. 6.7cm.
Anne Kirk(e), née Killigrew (1607-1641), one of Queen Henrietta Maria’s favourite Maids of Honour, was appointed Dresser to the Queen, one of the most prestigious female roles at Court, in 1637.
She died in tragic circumstances four years later when the Royal Barge capsized near to London Bridge.
The miniature was part of the 1690 Devonshire Schedule or Deed of Gift, a large bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter, Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), which listed: ‘A picture of Mrs. Kirke by Hoskins.’
