Portrait from Elizabethan era auctioned off for £3.2m

A 1562 portrait of Thomas Howard, the fourth Duke of Norfolk, has sold for over 3.2 million ($4.2 million), setting a new record for an Elizabethan painting at auction, according to the auction house.

The work, created by Hans Eworth, depicts the Tudor nobleman during the peak of his influence. Prior estimates suggested the painting would sell for between 2 million and 3 million. Ultimately, it was purchased at Sotheby's by a representative of the Duke of Norfolk and the trustees of Arundel Castle for 3,212,000.

Sothebys confirmed that this sale not only establishes a record for Eworth but also represents a "world record for an Elizabethan artwork at auction." The painting was originally designed as a companion piece to a portrait of one of Norfolk's wives, Margaret Audley. The matched backgrounds, which feature a shield, contribute to the artworks uniqueness, as highlighted by Julian Gascoigne, senior director in Sothebys Old Masters department, who described the pairing as "completely unique" in British art of the period.

Gascoigne emphasized the paintings remarkable preservation: "Its nearly 500 years old. Artworks of this quality and condition from that era rarely appear on the market. This piece is spectacularly well preserved, with minimal retouching or damage, which is extraordinary for a painting approaching half a millennium in age."

The Howard familys main residence is Arundel Castle in West Sussex, although they also maintain historical connections to Norfolk, including Castle Rising.

At the time the portrait was made, under the reign of Elizabeth I, the Duke was regarded as "the most important and powerful man" in England. Following the death of his third wife, he attempted to marry Mary, Queen of Scots, which led to his arrest. He was implicated in the Ridolfi Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and was eventually executed.

Author's Analysis: Record-Breaking Elizabethan Portrait Sale

The recent sale of Hans Eworth's 1562 portrait of Thomas Howard, fourth Duke of Norfolk, for £3.2 million ($4.2 million) sets a clear benchmark in the market for Elizabethan art. This figure surpasses prior estimates of £2–3 million, highlighting both the rarity and historical significance of the piece.

Purchased by representatives of the Duke of Norfolk and the trustees of Arundel Castle, the painting underscores the continued interest in preserving aristocratic heritage within original family holdings. Its companion portrait of Margaret Audley, with matching backgrounds and shield motifs, emphasizes the uniqueness and curatorial value of the work.

Julian Gascoigne of Sotheby’s notes the painting's exceptional preservation, with minimal restoration despite its nearly 500-year age. This contributes to its auction record not only for Eworth but for Elizabethan art globally, illustrating how condition and provenance drive value in the Old Masters market.

From a historical perspective, Thomas Howard's prominence during Elizabeth I’s reign and his later involvement in high-profile political plots adds narrative depth, enhancing the portrait’s significance beyond its aesthetic qualities. The sale thus represents both a financial milestone and a reaffirmation of Elizabethan art's cultural and historical resonance.

Sources:

• Elizabethan portrait sells at auction for £3.2m