A miniature of Sir Isaac Newton, English School, early 18th century

in molded wood frame with paper label, "this original drawing of Sir Isaac Newton belonged formerly to Professor Gregory of Oxford; by him it was bequeathed to his youngest son Isaac (Sir Isaac's godson) who was the late Secretary to Sion College; & by him left by will to the Rev'd Mr. Meuce, who had the goodness to give it to Dr. Douglas, march 8, 1780," plumbago

Sale: Sotheby's, London, March 7, 1983, lot 22, as by David Paton
Bernard Quaritch Ltd.

Foskett (D.), Collecting Miniatures, 1979, pl. 46D

split to frame at 12:00, otherwise ok
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 portrait is a period copy of Sir Godfrey Kneller's 1702 portrait of Newton, now at the National Portrait Gallery, London (no. 2881).

Mathemetician David Gregory (1659?-1708) began his relationship with Newton in the 1690s, after coming down from Edinburgh to Oxford.  Not close at first, Newton did recommend him for a professorship.  Gregory's notes are a key source of information on Newton's ideas and work of the 1690s and into the new century, particularly his revision of Principia.  

In 1699 Gregory was appointed mathematics tutor to the young Duke of Gloucester, son of Princess (shortly Queen) Anne, but the prince died the next year.  In 1707, Gregory was appointed Master of the Scottish mint, with Newton's support.  The note on this work is the only indication that Newton was godson to one of Gregory's children.

This image was used as the frontispiece to I. Bernard Cohen's new edition of the Principia (1999); the introduction discusses the Newton-Gregory relationship and Gregory's commentary on the Principia.