Circle of John de Critz the Elder

R. Strong, Tudor and Jacobean Portraits, London 1969, Vol. I, p.25

STRUCTURE The panel appears to be in fairly good condition. It consists of three panels, joined vertically and there are two thin cracks running down the panel joins, but otherwise it appears to be stable. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in generally good condition. There is some minor loss which corresponds to the cracks mentioned above, and there is some old retouching to both joins, where they have split in the past. There are also three very minor small areas of paint loss at the extreme edge of the painting, upper centre, as well as some minor damage on the left edge where the paint has been rubbed by the frame. There is one bird dropping in the upper right, visible in the catalogue illustration. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the condition mentioned above and reveals no apparent recent restorion. FRAME Held in a gold painted, carved wooden frame, probably late 17th or early 18th century. 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 second son of Edward Bruce of Blairhall. He rose to become Advocate, Lord of Sessions and Scottish Ambassador to England between 1598 and 1601. In 1603, shortly after he was created 1st Lord Kinloss, he accompanied James I to London. He was subsequently appointed Master of the Rolls, and in 1604 he was created Baron of Kinloss and Lord Bruce. His second son Thomas was created 1st Earl of Elgin in 1633.