Larkin's work marks the last stage in a tradition of English portraiture traceable from the later work of Hans Holbein the Younger through Nicholas Hilliard in which the sitter is painted in flat, lightly modelled fashion, surrounded by meticulously rendered wardrobe and props, with each detail of lace, embroidery, and gilding carefully delineated.
Larkin's work signifies the final phase of an English portrait tradition originating from the later works of Hans Holbein the Younger, continuing through Nicholas Hilliard. In these portraits, the subject is depicted in a flat and lightly shaded manner, surrounded by meticulously rendered clothing and accessories, with each element of lace, embroidery, and gilding carefully detailed.