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Painted circa 1590-1600, Inscribed "Henrie Prem" with painted inventory number on the reverse - "48". A Tudor “corridor portrait”. 

These portraits of the early English Monarchs were normally painted in sets to adorn the corridors of stately homes. They show the owner’s allegiance to the Monarchy and a renewed interest in the history of the nation. Similar images can be seen at Boughton House, Longleat, Helmingham Hall and Ingatestone. The Horby Castle set (16 portraits) can now be seen at the National Portrait Gallery, London. They all share similar characteristics, a distinctive linear style, strong colours and an identifying inscription in bold script. All are head and shoulder portraits of the sitters, set against a plain background. 

The jewels in these portraits are particularly well observed, suggesting specialist knowledge in this field. In the present example, the Fleur de Lys motif on the crown & sceptre is a reference to the King’s immediate French ancestry-previous to being crowned he was, as William the Conqueror’s son, Duke of Normandy. The French spelling of his name “Henrie Prem” (iere) further strengthens this connection. The oak leaf motif on the Orb being a reference to the English Crown. This appears to be the only image extant of Henry I holding the attributes of Monarchy. The Orb and Sceptre. The source for images of the earlier Kings of England in these “corridor portraits” would have been early woodcuts, coins and illuminated manuscripts