Francis Hervey (1534-1601/2), aged 30

Anglo-Flemish School. Oil painting on oak panel, Francis Hervey (1534-1601/2), British (English) School, inscribed: top left: 1564; upper right, in irregular capitals: HVMILEM MENTEM / CREA IN.ME.DEVS / ÆTs. SVÆ.30; coat of arms, upper left centre: Hervey quartering Niernuyt (cf. Farrer 108; ICK.P.102: the portrait inscribed as Sir Nicholas Hervey), with crest of: ‘an ounce passant sable besanté, ducally collared and chain reflexed over the back, or, holding in the dexter paw a trefoil slipped vert’; with the motto NE OBLYRAY IAMAYS. A three-quarter- length portrait of a man, fresh complexion, blue eyes, light brown hair and beard. In Tudor dress - dark jacket, lace ruffles at neck and wrists, cap with feather. Wearing three rings on right hand and holding upright a pike or spear (partizan)decorated with tassels. Hervey coat of arms, quartering Niernuy., in top left-hand corner with motto - 'Ne oblyra jamays'. Silver chain round neck. Red, gold and black striped breeches. Very dark background, inscribed top right 'Humilem mentem crea in me Deus aets suae 30'. The earliest authentic family portrait at Ickworth. He was a younger son of John Hervey of Ickworth (1490-1556), and is shown at the age of 30 wearing his chain of office as a Gentleman Pensioner to Queen Elizabeth. Ickworth, Suffolk (Accredited Museum)