Claude of Lorraine, Duke of Aumale (1526-1573) was the third son of Claude, Duke of Guise (1496-1550) and brother of the Scottish Queen, Mary of Guise (1515-60). After his father’s death in 1550 his brother, Francis (1519-1563), became Duke of Guise and granted him the junior title of Duke of Aumale. After his brother’s death he became leader of the Catholic party in the Wars of Religion. Prior to this he had fought the English (in alliance with Scotland) and had been one of the twelve hostages (six each way) exchanged with France as a result of the Peace of Boulogne of 1550.

This portrait seems to be by a Flemish artist of the later 16th century, it seems to record a man of nearly fifty; assuming the identification is correct it must date from 1570-3 (or repeat a composition of that date). It shows the sitter in parcel gilt armour, over a white undershirt with a tasselled collar.

Inscribed across the top LE DVC DAVMALE