Anna Maria Carew

The work is unframed and therefore the vellum is loose. The colours have remained extremely strong and fresh which would suggest that the work has been protected against the exposure to light. There are small areas where the surface has been slightly rubbed, this has led to several very small areas of pigment loss. These areas can only be seen on very close inspection. Although the sheet of vellum is supple, there are several very minor cockling lines in evidence. Again these are extremely minor. Overall, the condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This rare signed cabinet miniature by Anna Maria Carew is derived from an early engraving after Sir Anthony Van Dyck's The Virgin and Child (see Susan J. Barnes, Nora De Poorter, Oliver Millar and Horst Vey, Van Dyck A Complete Catalogue of the Paintings, 2004, p. 254, fig. III. 12).

When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660 he followed the example of his grandfather and father, James I and Charles I, in commissioning cabinet miniatures. On 8^th February 1662 Anna Maria Carew was granted a pension of £100 for 'copying the king's pictures in miniature'; ten days later this figure was increased to £200. Although the Van Dyck from which the present work is based on was never in the Royal collection, this miniature is still representative of the tradition of royal cabinet miniatures.