Portrait of Sir Henry Neville

Marcus Geeraerts the younger (?) · 1599

The portrait shows that in addition to Greek quotations, newly coined phrases were also used. In the upper left corner is an astronomical drawing accompanied by a Greek inscription which appears to read: "Absolutely without correction". This phrase serves to explain the drawing, but it also suggests Neville's moral integrity, echoing his family's Latin motto, 'Ne vile velis'. The inclusion of Greek reinforces the individual qualities of the subject, while perhaps also alluding to his mastery of several languages, fitting for an ambassador.