Attributed to Peter Oliver

later gold frame inscribed "Sr Kenelme Digby Kt / P. Oliver pinxt.," watercolor on vellum

Possibly Dr. Richard Mead
Possibly Horace Walpole, Strawberry Hill
Sale: Strawberry Hill, 14th day (Tuesday, May 10, 1842), p. 141, lot 17
D.S. Lavender, London, 1988 (as Peter Oliver, circa 1647)

Somerset House Art Treasury, 1979

Bleaching to face, slight wear to extreme top edge, possibly from an earlier frame
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This bust portrait is based on the Van Dyck family portrait of Sir Kenelm Digby with his wife Lady Venetia Stanley and their two sons; Oliver did a miniature copy of the whole work.  That piece was also in Horace Walpole's collection at Strawberry Hill and is now at the Yale Center for British Art (information courtesy of Elle Shushan).

In the 1842 catalogue of Strawberry Hill, what is possibly this piece is described as:
17   A ditto [very fine miniature in water colours] by PETER OLIVER, most exquisitely painted in water colours, the dress and collar are beautiful specimens of this master's great art, in a fine gold case.
           From Dr. Mead's collection.