Isaac Oliver

S. Reynolds Solly, by 1862;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 27 June 1940, lot 21, illustrated as the frontispiece (as Peter Oliver);
Robert H. Rockliffe, Compton Grange, Eastbourne;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 11 November 1947, lot 60, bt. Davis;
Cecil Davis;
sale, London, Christie's, 15 April 1997, lot 32,
where acquired by Bernadette and William M.B. Berger, Denver, Colorado

London, South Kensington Museum, Special Exhibition of Works of Art, 1862, no. 2606

This miniature has been generally well preserved. Just below the sitter's hairline there is a small area where the texture of the painted surface is a little irregular. On small parts of the ruff there is some oxidisation, this is consistence with the age of the work. In the background, there are one or two minor areas where the gum arabic has dried. Overall the condition is good.
"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."

This portrait compares with another miniature by Oliver (54 by 41 mm), in the Royal Collection.¹ There are differences in presentation between the two: the Duke is depicted wearing different armour and in the present work he wears the Order of the Garter as a sash, rather than a ribbon about his neck. Further, the curtain, in the example in the Royal Collection, hangs straighter. When Abraham van der Doort (circa 1575-1640) made an inventory of the King's pictures, he recorded the version in the Royal Collection as 'your Matie [sic] when you were Duke of Yorke [sic].' This indicates that the portrait was taken prior to November 1616, when the sitter was created Prince of Wales.

1. Royal Collection, inv. no. 420048