Portrait of John, Lord Burghley, later 5th Earl of Exeter with his Brother David and his Sister Frances, when Children, with a Dog and a Lamb, Circle of Jacob d’Agar (1640-c.1715).

Oil on canvas, 120.7cm by 185.4cm.  Inscribed with identity of sitters.

The 1763 Burghley Inventory records: “The Marble hall …John ye 4th Earl of Exeter, Mr David Cecil & Lady Scudamore 7”. The children were, in fact, the sons and daughter of John, 4th Earl of Exeter.

Jacob, also known as Jacques, d’Agar, was born in France. Originally a history painter, he changed to portraiture, and was very successful, becoming painter to the King and Court. However, as a Protestant, he decided to leave France in 1682, after which he worked in both Denmark and England.