Circle of John Baptist Closterman

By descent in the family of George Caldecott's sister until 1978;
Sale, New York, Phillips, January 19, 1978, lot 116 (as by Sir Godfrey Kneller);
Mrs. F.M. Ap-Thomas;
By whom (anonymously) sold ("The Property of a Private Collector, New York"), New York, Sotheby's, May 30, 1979, lot 207 (withdrawn from sale as by Sir Godfrey Kneller);
Ray Morse Sr., New York;
Thence by descent to Ray Morse Jr., Virginia;
By whom given to John Alderman, thence by inheritance to the present collector.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has not been restored for a number of years and while the figure seems to be in healthy condition and a good deal of the background, the upper left particularly, has developed numerous issues which need attention. The canvas is currently lined yet the lining is not stabilizing the paint layer in this area and if the lining were to be reversed, the painting could them be safely removed. A good deal of old restoration in the upper left sky would be removed, along with the dirty varnish. The remainder of the picture will most likely clean very well and although a few restorations will be removed at the same time, the condition is not a discouragement of a full cleaning. The canvas was originally made from two pieces of canvas joined through the right hand, but the join seems to be stable. It is the upper left which requires most attention. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

George (later the Reverend) Caldecott became Vicar of Great Bentley, Essex, England.  The portrait was commissioned by the sitter's father, George Caldecott, Mercer of London (d. 1708) and depicts the sitter as a boy of fourteen.