- 117
Studio of Sir Peter Paul Rubens
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Sir Peter Paul Rubens
- portrait of a young captain, half length, wearing armour and a red sash
- oil on panel
Condition
The panel has been cradled and is flat and stable. There are two old horizontal joins, the first 18 cm from the upper edge and the second 23 cm from the bottom edge. There is an old vertical 13 cm split in the lower left hand corner. The painting has recently been cleaned and restored and is in good condition throughout. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals restoration to the joins and the periphery but otherwise only a few minor local retouchings.
Offered with a later carved and gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The prototype, incorrectly catalogued as a portrait of the Duke of Mantua, was sold London, Christie's, 23 January 1920, lot 98. It subsequently made its way to the Putnam Foundation housed in the Timken Art Gallery, where it hangs now.1
More recent speculation2 identifies the sitter as William Lamport (161501659), who took the Spanish name of Guillén Lombardo and is supposedly the man on whom the original Zorro myth is based. The Irish man's red hair adds fuel to the speculative flames: zorro is the Spanish word for fox. After spending time in Madrid (where he presumambly met Rubens), in 1643 he was posted to Mexico, where he was soon jailed. On his escape he sought to lead an uprising against the brutal regime. It is this struggle for the oppressed, especially the indigenous population, which has linked him to the Mexican hero Zorro.
1. See M. Jaffé, Rubens, Milan 1990, p. 302, cat. no. 894, reproduced.
2. See J. Soler in El Pais, 'Los orígenes de El Zorro', 27 November 2005.
More recent speculation2 identifies the sitter as William Lamport (161501659), who took the Spanish name of Guillén Lombardo and is supposedly the man on whom the original Zorro myth is based. The Irish man's red hair adds fuel to the speculative flames: zorro is the Spanish word for fox. After spending time in Madrid (where he presumambly met Rubens), in 1643 he was posted to Mexico, where he was soon jailed. On his escape he sought to lead an uprising against the brutal regime. It is this struggle for the oppressed, especially the indigenous population, which has linked him to the Mexican hero Zorro.
1. See M. Jaffé, Rubens, Milan 1990, p. 302, cat. no. 894, reproduced.
2. See J. Soler in El Pais, 'Los orígenes de El Zorro', 27 November 2005.