16th century oil on board of John Fortescue (b.1525 - d.1595) dated 1558, in the manner of George Gower. Dressed in black outfit with white ruff collar and wearing the Fortescue family armorial ring upon his forefinger and holding folded gloves.
This portrait has been in the Fortescue family since 1952 when it was purchased by the 5th Earl. A label on the reverse of the panel reads: This picture is of John Fortescue son of Louis Fortescue of Fallopit in South Devon, who was an Irish Judge in 1542. The painting is mentioned on page 26 of the family history.
Restorations and in period added writing.