John Closterman

Possibly Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury (1671-1713);
By descent to Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury (1938-2004), St. Giles, Dorset by whom sold, London, Christie's, 24 July 1980, lot 17 (as Kneller);
With Colnaghi's, London;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 17 May 1989, lot 214 (as Closterman).

M. Roger's, 'John and John Baptist Closterman - a catalogue of their works', in Walpole Society, vol. XLIX, Bath 1983, no. 131, p. 270.

The canvas has been recently relined, cleaned and restored. The paint surface is stable. The flesh tones of the female figure are luminous, and the subtleties in her blue and olive-green garments are well preserved. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms that there has been little intervention, bar few localised retouchings. There are only a few other, very minor, scattered retouchings and some surface scuffs and scratches, one in her hair and one below her left breast and some old frame abrasion. The varnish appears to be clean and even, it fluoresces under UV light making it difficult to see very early restorations. Overall the painting is in very good condition and no further work would be required. This lot is sold unframed.
"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 presumably a member of the family or circle of the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, for whom Closterman painted a group of portraits in classicising dress circa 1700 at his Dorset home. The finest of these, the double portrait of the Earl with his brother Maurice representing their mutual interest in moral philosophy, is now in the National Portrait Gallery, London (inv. no. 5308).