Sir Reginald Mohun and Dorothy Mohun (née Chudleigh)

unknown artist

ca. 1602

Oil on panel

Yale Center for British Art

This striking portrait, painted to celebrate the marriage of Sir Reginald Mohun to Dorothy Chudleigh in 1602, marks an important moment in the history of British art. For the first time, both wife and husband were depicted together at full length. With their arms intertwined, the portrait also shows the close affection between the couple. Dorothy holds a flower as a symbol of devotion while placing her ring finger prominently between them; Reginald in turn rests his other hand on the hilt of his sword. The circular pendant on Dorothy’s dress appears to be porphyry, an extremely hard stone embodying the enduring nature of their love.