Thomas Cavendish (d.1477)

British (English) School. Oil painting on oak panel, Thomas Cavendish (d.1477) or George Cavendish (1500-1561), British (English) School, late 16th century. A half-length portrait, turned to left, wearing embroidered tunic with fur collar, his hands uplifted; coat of arms of Cavendish, Scudamore, Brecknock and Smith of Podbrooke. If this picture is of Thomas Cavendish – there was none of George in the 1601 inventory – it is almost certain to be a posthumous – and probably invented – likeness (hence, for instance, the upraised hands) commissioned by a later member of the family out of family piety. The coats of arms that subsequently identified the sitter as George Cavendish were evidently added between 1811 and 1860. Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire (Accredited Museum)