The courtier, Sir Robert Throckmorton (c.1513–1581) of Coughton Court, Warwickshire, son of Sir George Throckmorton and and Katherine Vaux, married, as his second wife, around 1542, Elizabeth Hussey (c.1519–1554), daughter of John Hussey, first Baron Hussey of Sleaford, widow of Walter Hungerford, first Baron Hungerford of Heytesbury and Lady Anne Grey. The couple had five daughters and two sons. The four daughters included in the present portrait are probably Muriel Throckmorton (d. 1615), Anne Throckmorton (d. after 1605), Elizabeth Throckmorton and Temperance Throckmorton. The small crosses above some of the girls’ heads may indicate that they were deceased. The baby in the right foreground represents one of two sons, possibly George Throckmorton, born in 1552. If that is the case, the portrait must date to around 1553. Robert Throckmorton’s age (‘37’), inscribed on the panel, would suggest a similar date – given that it is not known exactly when he was born. Throckmorton, who was Catholic, gained favour during the reign of Queen Mary. He was knighted in 1553 and appointed constable of Warwick Castle. The portrait may have been commissioned to commemorate these events. A portrait of Sir Robert Throckmorton in later life, seated with his hand resting on a skull, is at Coughton Court, Warwickshire. ¹