Portrait of a gentleman, possibly Philip Herbert, 1st Earl of Montgomery and 4th Earl of Pembroke (1584-1650), bust-length, with a lace collar and wearing the badge and star of the Order of the Garter, in a feigned oval

Herbert was a prominent courtier and politician, and a favourite of King James I. He was the younger son of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (d.1601) and his third wife Mary Herbert, née Sidney (1561-1621). He was the younger brother of William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke (1580-1630). In 1604 Herbert married Lady Susan De Vere (1587-1629), daughter of Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (1550-1604). He first visited court in April 1600 and quickly gained the King’s favour. He received many honours and titles, such as 1st Earl of Montgomery (4 May 1605), Knight of the Garter (23 April 1608) keeper of Westminster Palace, Spring Gardens, and St James’s Park and privy councillor (December 1624). Herbert’s reputation was far from immaculate and he was known to be rude and violent at times. He was passionate about hunting and gambling, despite all this the royal favour continued, the King even paid his debts. Under King Charles I he became lord chamberlain of the King’s household. On the death of his elder brother on 10 April 1630 Herbert became 4th Earl of Pembroke, which led to a series of further official appointments.

We are grateful to Karen Hearn for her assistance in attributing this lot.