the collector's folio

Isaac Oliver Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Isaac Oliver our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Isaac Oliver · 1556 – 1617

Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset and Essex

1595 · Victoria and Albert Museum, London · original 13 x 13 cm

Admire Isaac Oliver's "Frances Howard," Countess of Somerset & Essex (1595). A captivating portrait capturing aristocratic elegance and intrigue, showcasing the artist’s masterful technique.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #1: Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset and Essex

Art Movement: Baroque Portraiture
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Ludovic Stuart (1574-1623/1624), first Duke of Richmond and second Duke of Lennox or Thomas Howard (1561-1628), Earl of Suffolk (1598)

1598 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 5.0 x 4.0cm

This detailed miniature portrait by Isaac Oliver captures a noble's dignified gaze. Discover the elegance of this exquisite work today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #2: Ludovic Stuart (1574-1623/1624), first Duke of Richmond and second Duke of Lennox or Thomas Howard (1561-1628), Earl of Suffolk

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Woman (1596)

1596 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 5.2 x 4.5cm

This detailed 1596 miniature by Isaac Oliver captures an elegant woman in lace. Discover the exquisite beauty of this portrait today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #3: Portrait of a Woman

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Woman in Masquerade Costume as Flora by Isaac Oliver

1596 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 5.3 x 4.1cm

This delicate Renaissance miniature by Isaac Oliver depicts a woman as Flora. Discover the luminous detail of this exquisite portrait today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #4: Portrait of a Woman in Masquerade Costume as Flora

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Arabella Stuart

1595 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 7.0 x 5.6cm

This delicate Renaissance miniature by Isaac Oliver captures Arabella Stuart with ethereal grace. Shop this exquisite portrait today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #5: Arabella Stuart

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Robert Devereux, Second Earl of Essex by Isaac Oliver, 1596

1596 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 7.6 x 6.4cm

This intimate Elizabethan miniature by Isaac Oliver captures the Earl of Essex with refined detail. Discover this exquisite portrait today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #6: Robert Devereux, Second Earl of Essex

Art Movement: English Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Lady Venetia Anastasia Digby

Nationalmuseum, Stockholm · original 7.2 x 5.5cm

This delicate portrait miniature by Isaac Oliver captures a young woman with luminous detail. Discover the elegance of this exquisite work today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #7: Lady Venetia Anastasia Digby

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Isaac Oliver: Dudley North, third Baron North (1581-1666)

1609 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 5.1 x 4.1cm

This Jacobean miniature by Isaac Oliver captures Dudley North in exquisite detail. Discover the elegance of this rare portrait today.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #8: Dudley North, third Baron North (1581-1666)

Art Movement: Jacobean

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Isaac Oliver: Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia

1596 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 5.1 x 4.1cm

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #9: Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Madonna and Child in Glory, Isaac Oliver

1611 · Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · original 27.5 x 20.5cm

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #10: Madonna and Child in Glory

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

John Donne by Isaac Oliver

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #11: John Donne

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Admiral George Clifford (1558-1605), 3rd earl of Cumberland by Isaac Oliver

Nationalmuseum, Stockholm · original 5.4 x 4.3cm

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #12: Admiral George Clifford (1558-1605), 3rd earl of Cumberland

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of an Unknown Gentleman in a Copper Medallion (1600)

1600 · Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #13: Portrait of an Unknown Gentleman in a Copper Medallion

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Frances

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert Of Cherbury

Admire Isaac Oliver’s portrait of Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury – a classical oil painting showcasing Elizabethan elegance & intricate detail. Explore its rich textures and symbolic elements.

Art Movement: Baroque
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of An Unknown Man

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Frances, Countess Howard, Isaac Oliver

Isaac Oliver’s "Frances, Countess Howard" is a stunning 17th-century English miniature portrait. Admire its exquisite detail & classical style – a rare glimpse into aristocratic life.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #17: Frances, Countess Howard

Art Movement: Baroque

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Elizabeth I -

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Two Little Girls

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Prince Henry Frederick

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Henry Frederick, Isaac Oliver

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #21: Henry Frederick

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Self Portrait

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Head of Christ

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait Of Richard Sackville

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Queen Anne Of Denmark, Isaac Oliver

Explore Isaac Oliver’s ‘Queen Anne of Denmark,’ a stunning 17th-century watercolor portrait. Admire its refined details & melancholic beauty – a masterpiece of historical art.

View the most popular artwork of Isaac Oliver ranked #25: Queen Anne Of Denmark

Art Movement: Historical Portraiture
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 43 artworks by Isaac Oliver
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Isaac Oliver

1556 – 1617

Quick facts

Corpus themesenglish renaissance, courtly portraiture
Died1617
Mediumswatercolor
Also known asIsaac, I Oliver, Isaac Oliver I, Isaac Olivier, Isaac Ollivier, J. Oliver
Art periodRenaissance
Copyright statusPublic domain
Museums on APSRijksmuseum, Nationalmuseum, Amsterdam Museum, Yale Center for British Art, Victoria and Albert Museum
Topics exploredportraits, portrait, pearls, royalty, 17th century

Biography

A Master of the Miniature: The Life of Isaac Oliver

The delicate art of portrait miniature painting finds one of its most profound voices in the work of Isaac Oliver. Born in Rouen, France, around 1565, his early years were shaped by the turbulent winds of the Wars of Religion. Seeking refuge from the conflict, his Huguenot parents, Peter and Epiphany Oliver, brought him to London in 1568. This migration would ultimately place him at the heart of the English Renaissance, where he would refine a talent that would capture the very essence of the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts.

Oliver’s artistic journey was one of deep apprenticeship and familial connection. He studied the intricate craft of miniature painting under the renowned Nicholas Hilliard, yet he did not merely replicate his master's style. Instead, Oliver breathed a new, naturalistic vitality into the medium. His work began to reflect a sophisticated blend of influences, drawing from the subtle elegance of Italian art and the rich, textured realism found in Flemish traditions. This evolution marked a departure from more stylized predecessors, moving toward a technique that favored emotional depth and luminous detail.

Artistry, Technique, and Courtly Splendor

To gaze upon an Oliver miniature is to witness a masterclass in light and shadow. His technique involved a meticulous layering of thin glazes, a process that allowed him to build up textures and tones with incredible precision. He possessed a singular ability to render the soft, diffused illumination that seems to emanately from within his subjects, bathing faces in a gentle glow that highlights the delicate curve of a cheekbone or the subtle melancholy in an eye. His commitment to realism extended to the most minute details, from the intricate ruffles and folds of an elaborate gown to the shimmering luster of a single jewel.

His professional life was deeply intertwined with the highest echelons of English society. Following the death of Elizabeth I, Oliver’s reputation secured him a place within the court of James I. He was appointed as "her Majesties painter in the art of lymning," a prestigious role that saw him capturing the likenesses of royalty and nobility alike. His portraits of figures such as Queen Anne of Denmark and Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales stand as testaments to his ability to convey both the formal dignity of the monarchy and a more intimate, human vulnerability.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The legacy of Isaac Oliver is preserved not only in the physical remnants of his exquisite miniatures but also in the lineage of talent he helped foster. His son, Peter Oliver, would go on to become an eminent miniature painter in his own right, continuing the family's contribution to this specialized art form. Through his marriage to Sara, the daughter of the celebrated portrait painter Marcus Gheeraerts the Elder, Oliver was further embedded in a rich tapestry of artistic excellence that defined the era.

Today, the works of Isaac Oliver serve as poignant windows into a vanished world. Whether through his evocative portraits of figures like Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset and Essex—which capture a tableau of ambition and heartbreak—or his more classical oil paintings, his contribution to the history of portraiture remains undeniable. His ability to marry meticulous detail with subtle emotional depth ensures that his miniatures remain much more than mere likenesses; they are enduring psychological studies that continue to captivate the modern eye.

Questions & Answers

Where can I see Isaac Oliver's artworks in chronological order?

A timeline of Isaac Oliver's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.

Where can I see the color profile of Isaac Oliver's work?

The Palette Genome of Isaac Oliver is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

What are the birth city and country of Isaac Oliver?

Isaac Oliver was born in Rouen, in France.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was Isaac Oliver born?
Under which artist did Isaac Oliver study miniature painting?
What was the primary influence on Oliver's naturalistic style?
To which royal court did Oliver become a painter after the death of Elizabeth I?
Who was Isaac Oliver's son, who also became an eminent miniature painter?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Isaac Oliver

Every artwork by Isaac Oliver in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Isaac Oliver