- 48
Gerard Soest
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Gerard Soest
- Portrait of Chief Justice Sir Richard Rainsford (1605–1680)
- inscribed, lower centre: SIR RICHd. RAINSFORD Kt. 1664., and inscribed, verso: Zoust
- oil on canvas, in a painted oval
Provenance
By descent from the sitter to the present owner
Condition
STRUCTURE
The canvas has an old lining.
PAINT SURFACE
The painting appears to be in very good condition. There is some minor flaking in the lower right and upper left hand corners, which has resulted in some background paint loss, and there is minor frame abrasion in the remaining two corners. There is one very small dent in the paint in the sitter's cap and there is a very dirty and discoloured varnish overall with is obscuring much of the tonal definition of the picture. The painting appears to be largely untouched and in original condition.
ULTRAVIOLET
Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish and reveals no signs of any apparent retouching.
FRAME
Held in a gilded composite 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."
"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
ENGRAVED
in stipple by Edward Harding, published in 1796
A reduced version of the three quarter length portrait of Rainsford, signed and dated 1678 by Soest, which was presented to Lincoln's Inn in 1718 by the sitter's grandson. The present painting remained in the possession of the sitter's descendants, and was used as the basis for Harding's 1796 engraving. An inscribed print of the engraving is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London, where there is also a later copy of the present painting.