Oval, on vellum, in a rectangular dark-stained fruitwood veneer frame, 8cm.
Charles Cavendish, shown wearing full armour, was the brother of William, 3rd Earl of Devonshire (1617-1684). He died at Gainsborough in 1643 during the English Civil War.
The miniature was recorded in the 1690 Devonshire Schedule, or Deed of Gift, an inventory recording an immense bequest from the Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689) to her only daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703) which lists: ‘a picture of Collonell Charles Cavendish by Hoskins.’
John Hoskins (1590-1665), painted several members of the Cavendish and Cecil families, and was the leading miniaturist between c1620 and c1640 when his nephew and former pupil Samuel Cooper succeeded him in the position.
