L10237

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Lot 331
  • 331

Gerard Soest

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Gerard Soest
  • Portrait of Michael Boyle, Lord Primate and Chancellor of Ireland (c.1609-1702)
  • with later inscription and date upper left: Michael Boyle Lord Primate and Chancellor, Ob: AD 1702 Aged 93 and further inscribed on the reverse: Lady Midleton
  • oil on canvas
  • 76 by 63.5 cm.; 30 by 25 in.

Provenance

Possibly by descent to the sitter's daughter Eleanor Hill (c. 1635-1702), wife of William Hill (1633-1693);
Possibly by descent to their son, Michael Hill (1672-1699) who married in 1690 Anne Trevor who in turn married secondly Alan Broderick, Viscount Midleton (1656-1728);
Possibly bequeathed to her son by her first marriage, Trevor Hill, 1st Viscount Hillsborough (1693-1742);
Possibly by descent to his son Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire (1718-1793);
Possibly by descent to his son Arthur Hill, 2nd Marquess of Downshire (1753-1801), Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Condition

The painting is a little more yellow in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest otherwise it is representative. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for a minor loss to the top most canvas edge upper right caused by frame abrasion, and there is some rubbing to the darker pigment sin the background centre right as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is some minor cosmetic infilling visible in this and below in the darker pigments of the vest. Examination under ultraviolet reveals a thick discoloured varnish which hinders inspection. There are very minor scattered cosmetic retouchings to the craquelure overall, although the face appears to be in good original condition. Other than very minor retouching to an old abrasion under the M upper left measuring approx. 2 in, there appears to be very little intervention. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame with minor losses.
"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."