Lecture 08 July 2026 George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham - The handsomest man in 17th Century Europe and his patronage of the arts by Lucy Hughes Hallett

Our July lecture immerses us in the intrigue and treachery of the Stuart court of King James I whose proclivity for falling in love with young men propelled the rise of George Villiers who became the first Duke of Buckingham and amassed his fortune and power from his intimate royal patronage.

Son of a humble country gentleman, Villiers was brought to the court by Queen Anne to the attention of King James whose previous favourite Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset was executed for the murder his best friend Sir Thomas Overbury who had died from eating a poisoned custard tart! 

Known for his exquisite beauty and charm, Villiers was soon to become the new favourite of King James I who lavished him with titles and privileges, from being the Gentleman of the Bedchamber in 1615, to becoming the Duke of Buckingham in 1623.  A typical portrait of Buckingham of the time would show him in the haute couture of the period, sporting the most luxurious garments made from gold and the finest silk and velvet, and adorned with chains of pearls! 

Buckingham’s meteoric rise to unparalleled power attracted political enemies who blamed him for the corruption and decline of the monarchy.  He met his tragic and undignified demise from a cheap dagger at the hand of one John Felton.  However, Buckingham had left an enduring legacy of an exquisite collection of Renaissance art.  Though not a connoisseur himself, Buckingham relied on the astute advice of Balthazar Gerbier, architect, portrait painter, and art dealer who helped to procure a significant collection of Renaissance paintings which include work by Titian, Paolo Veronese and Adam Elsheimer.  In addition, there were commissions from Anthony Van Dyck, and an exquisite portrait of Buckingham himself by Peter Paul Rubens. 

The sensational and brief life of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham can perhaps be abbreviated in these words: Pearls, Power and Patronage (and a dose of Poison)!