- 184
Theodore Russell
Description
- Theodore Russell
- Portraits of Dorothy, Countess of Leicester (1598-1659); Lady Anne Rich (1612-1638); Anne, Countess of Middlesex (d.1670); and Mary Kirk (1646-1711)
- a set of four, oil on panel
Provenance
Probably Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St. Albans (c.1604-1684);
by descent at Rushbrooke Hall, Suffolk, until sold, Knight Frank and Rutley, December 10th & 11th 1919, lot 138.
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."
Catalogue Note
The present portraits belong to a clearly defined group of small scale panel paintings, mostly after van Dyck. Comparable sets by the same artist are in the Royal Collection, and also at Knole and Woburn. The full length van Dyck originals of the portraits of Dorothy, Countess of Leicester, and Anne, Countess of Middlesex, are both at Petworth, whilst the portrait of Lady Anne Rich is based on a prototype in the collection of Mr & Mrs William D. Graue (Dallas, Texas). The portrait of Mary Kirk, however, appears to be an original composition.
The present set were formerly in the collection of the Jermyn family at Rushbrooke Hall, and were most likely commissioned by Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St. Albans, a close confidant of Queen Henrietta Maria.