Cornelis Jonson van Ceulen

John Fane, 11th Earl of Westmorland (1784–1859), by 1857;
By descent to Anthony Mildmay Julian Fane, 13th Earl of Westmorland (1859–1922), at Apethorpe Hall, Northamptonshire;
His sale, on the premises, Christie's, 2 June 1892, lot 106, to Agnews & Sons, for 56.14.0.

Manchester, Exhibition of Art Treasures, 1857 (lent by the Earl of Westmoreland).

Made up of three vertical panels, uncradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is very dirty but well- preserved, with an old, yellow, uneven varnish. The paint remains thick in detailed parts like the lace ruff. There is a fine split along the upper right hand join, measuring 13 cm., two fine splits from the right hand lower edge measuring approximately 17 and 33 cm., and a split lower left edge measuring 15 cm. All have repaired but have partially discoloured. There are very few small scattered retouchings visible under Ultraviolet light. This lot is sold in an old wooden frame, painted black and gold.
"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."

Traditionally said to be a portrait of the Duke of Buckingham, the physiognomy is closer to known portraits of Dudley Carleton, 1st Viscount Dorchester. A noted art collector and diplomat, Carleton was appointed ambassador to the Venetian Republic in 1610 and ambassador to the Netherlands in 1615. He established a relationship with Sir Peter Paul Rubens, with whom he exchanged works of art, and served as an intermediary for the collecting interests of the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Pembroke, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Earl of Arundel, for whom he acquired paintings by Daniel Mytens and Gerard van Honthorst. Carleton returned to England in 1625, and in 1628 was created Viscount Dorchester, and Secretary of State during the Personal Rule of Charles I.   

We are grateful to Karen Hearn for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs.