Jacob Huysmans

half length, wearing armour and holding a pistol, a battle beyond

Lady Fairfax of Cameron;
her sale, Sotheby's London, 9th June 1976, lot 191.

STRUCTURE The canvas appears to be unlined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition, though there is a very dirty layer of discoloured and opaque varnish overall, with a small number of scattered visible retouchings. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals minor scattered retouching and strengthening, predominantly in the costume and in the background. There is some strengthening to the deliniation of the eyes. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded frame. For further information on this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on 0207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

The early details of Joyce's life are obscure but he appears to have been born in London and joined the parliamentary army.  By 1644 he was in Cromwell's horse regiment and in 1647 served as cornet under Fairfax.  He was known as a keen radical and became famous on account of his decisive action in June 1647.  Charles I was held prisoner at Holmly where the garrison was commanded by Colonel Graves, a supporter of the presbyterian leader, David Holles.  Joyce and others feared that Graves planned to bring the King to London and conclude a treaty with the Presbyterian major in Parliament.  Joyce led a force of 4-500 men and after first securing the munitions at Oxford took control of Holmly on 3rd June.  Joyce later claimed that he had Cromwell's authority for his actions and he was never court marshalled.  In 1648 he was promoted and put in command of Southsea Castle where Portsmouth was governor.  He continued to take an active part in political events and after Pride's Purge of the Commons he took a band of men to arrest General Richard Brown, sheriff of London.  He speculated in confiscated property, including the manor of Portland in Dorset which he owned outright by 1651 when he was appointed lieutenant colonel.  However his opposition to Cromwell in 1653 led to his political downfall.  At the Restitution a warrant was given for his arrest but he fled with his wife and children to Rotterdam.