Head and shoulders portrait, wearing a ruff and tall hat. Traditionally identified as Sir Nicholas Bacon and inscribed as such. In 1931 this later inscription was removed, the portrait was compared to one at Bratton Fleming and the sitter believed to be a member of the Fanshawe family. More recently the portrait has been recognised as a reduced copy of one of Thomas Egerton, Lord Ellesmere and 1st Viscount Brackley (1540-1617), versions of which can be found in the National Portrait Gallery, at Knole and Montacute House. Egerton was a prominent lawyer and statesman, serving as Lord Chancellor from 1596 until his death. He was the second husband of Alice Spencer Countess of Derby (see 405696). Another version of this portrait was sold at Christie's, 14 April 1950 (134) as a portrait of Lord Burghley.