Members' talk and Q&A
About
Courtier, statesman, lover of art, and favourite of King James VI and I. George Villiers was many things.
Art historian Jacqui Ansell introduces George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham at this online Members’ talk with Q&A.
The second son of a nobleman, Villiers used his charm, good looks and knowledge of court to impress the king, becoming both personally and politically favoured. We cannot be certain about the nature of their relationship, but records suggest it was intimate.
Villiers commissioned art in his quest for political favour, working with the likes of Van Honthorst, Van Dyck and Rubens. He sat for nearly 50 portraits, and he used this works to promote his standing in court and showcase his dashing good looks.
From knight to viscount to duke, Villers had a meteoric rise and a catastrophic fall. Join Jacqui as she guides you through the world of George Villers, captured in writing and paint.
Speaker
Jacqui Ansell is an experienced lecturer who has devised talks and tours based around the National Gallery’s collection for many years. She lectures on art and cultural history for the Wallace Collection, National Portrait Gallery and the Arts Society and is Senior Lecturer at Christie’s Education, writing, presenting and tutoring online courses.
Watch again
This online Members' event will be recorded. Recordings are usually available in your National Gallery account within three working days of the event.
This recording will be available for two weeks.
Closed captions
Automatic closed captioning is available for this event.
Royal favourite and patron of the arts: George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham
Members' talk and Q&A
Free for Members
This is an online event, exclusive to Members, hosted on Zoom.
Members, please book your free ticket to access this event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account. Only one ticket can be booked per account.
