To the right of the initials there is a cypher which is similar to the personal monogram of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. In Figure 1 (below).

(1) the H and superimposed M accords with a frequently used cipher on the Queen's documents in the National Library of Wales³³⁰;
(4) the encircling crown is related to the crown cipher used by Van der Doort for the marking/branding of Charles I's paintings³³¹

Monogram (1) is also used in a c.1640 inventory of Charles I's picture collection to mark miniatures, or paintings. The monogram, alongside five entries, may denote that the works either belonged to, or were in the possession of the Queen³³².

In the Royal Collection there is a miniature of Queen Henrietta Maria by John Hoskins. On the case of the miniature is a device (3) in white enamel. This monogram shows the development of a crown over the letters. (The drawing is copied from Van Der Doort's inventory)³³³.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

 

(1) Copy of Henrietta Maria's monogram from Wynnstay MSS.

(2) Copy of monogram on Leeswood Tondo

(3) Copy of Henrietta Maria's monogram from the Hoskins miniature case.

(4) Copy of Charles I's monogram from his picture collection

 

References

330.	Wynnstay M8 166: The Book of Establishment of Wages for the years of our Lord 1642 : National Library of Wales
331.	Millar, O : The Queen's Pictures : Weidenfeld & Nicolson / B.B.C. : 1977 : p.46
332.	Millar, O. : Van der Doort : pp. 215-216
333.	ibid. : p.106