James Hamilton, the Second Marquis of Hamilton filled a number of offices in the service of James I, including that of Lord High Commissioner to the Scottish Parliament. The sitter is depicted holding his hat and the white staff of the Lord Steward of the Household, wearing the ribbon of the Garter.

Hamilton wears a doublet and matching breeches of brown fabric decorated with bands of precious metal thread, leather gloves and a multi-layered falling ruff of linen trimmed with lace. His leather riding boots are decorated with butterfly shaped spur leathers which hold the spurs in position. He also holds a black hat in his left hand and wears the Lesser George on a blue sash around his neck. His moustache and beard are carefully trimmed and waxed.

The painting appears in Pyne's illustrated 'Royal Residences' of 1819, hanging over the mantle in the Throne Room at Hampton Court Palace (RCIN 922131).

Inscribed on the contemporary, but damaged cartellino: Jacobus Marchis Hamiltoniae / aetatis suae . 44 Ano Dni: 1622