Cornelis Jonson van Ceulen

Acquired for the present collection from the Dorotheum, Vienna, circa 1970-71.

STRUCTURE The canvas has a firm lining. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition with no apparent damage of loss of paint. The painting would appear to have been sensitively cleaned. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some scattered minor retouching. This is mainly in the background to the left of the sitter and to past abrasion at the edge of the canvas. There is also evidence of old infilling to the craquelure of the face, but that apart the paint appears to be in good stable condition. FRAME Held in a baroque carved and gilded frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@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 sitter was the daughter of William Halliday, merchant and one time Lord Mayor of London. In 1620 she married Edward Hungerford, son of Sir Anthony Hungerford M.P. and his wife Lucy. Her husband inherited estates in Wiltshire, Somerset, Berkshire and Gloucestershire, and they lived at Corsham House and at Farleigh Castle. Edward Hungerford first entered Parliament in 1614 as M.P. for Wootton Bassett, and except for the year 1626 sat in every Parliament until his death in 1648. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Parliament during the Civil War, though his career as a military commander was rather undistinguished. In 1645 he accepted the surrender of his castle at Farleigh from his brother John who supported the king. He died at Farleigh Castle, and he and his wife were buried there in St Anne's Chapel in magnificent tombs with white marble effigies.