Rare Tudor Portrait of Norfolk Duke Could Reach £3 Million at Auction

One of the finest Tudor portraits still in private hands is heading to a London auction, with an estimated value of up to £3 million. Hans Eworth’s 1562 painting of Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, captures a powerful figure from Elizabethan England.

A rare, early‑Elizabethan masterpiece

The portrait forms half of a two‑part pair; its companion depicts the duke’s wife, Margaret Audley. Both works share a matching tapestry-style background, a feature that makes the set exceptionally rare in British art. The painting has recently been on loan to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire and will be offered for sale in London this week.

Julian Gascoigne, senior director in Sotheby’s Old Masters department, says the portrait is spectacularly well preserved and in extraordinary condition for its age, with little or no retouching visible after nearly 500 years. He notes that paintings of this quality and age rarely appear on the market.

The Duke played a central role in the kingdom’s politics during Elizabeth I’s early years, amassing land and influence. His later marriage ambitions toward Mary Queen of Scots contributed to his downfall and execution after involvement in the Ridolfi plot.

Provenance traces the work to the first Lord Rothschild, with the picture remaining in the Rothschild family collection since the 19th century before it was loaned to Waddesdon Manor.

Sale context and expectations

London buyers are being asked to consider an estimate between £2 million and £3 million, reflecting the painting’s rarity, historical importance, and superior condition for a Tudor work of this age. Sotheby’s hopes the piece will be cared for in a suitable, secure setting after the sale.

Background and significance

The Howard family’s principal seat is Arundel Castle in West Sussex, and they have historic links to Norfolk, including Castle Rising. The current sale focuses on the Duke’s half of the pair, while the wife’s portrait remains with the Rothschild/Waddesdon legacy.

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Expert opinion

Gascoigne emphasizes the painting’s extraordinary preservation for its size and age, underscoring its rarity on the market. The sale is expected to attract collectors who prize Tudor masterpieces with strong private provenance.

Summary

The 1562 Tudor portrait of Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, stands as a landmark work in private hands. Its paired context, pristine condition, and historic provenance contribute to a potential price‑setting moment for English Tudor art. The companion portrait remains unsold, while the tapestry background enhances the piece’s unique character and appeal.

The most compelling takeaway is that a nearly 500‑year‑old Tudor masterwork, preserved in exceptional condition, can set a new benchmark for private English art collections. Source: BBC News