Earl of Inverness

[figheadair]

I notice that a number of portraits, of this period, show hose that appear to rise quite low ( mid calf). Is there, to your knowledge, any historical evidence for this, or is it, perhaps, "artistic license"?

You are correct that a number of portraits (and prints) of the period show the hose being worn low, lower than is practical in my opinion. None of the surviving specimens I've examined would be that low if actually worn so I think we are defintiely looking at artistic licence.