- 478
Italo-Flemish School, circa 1600
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Three portraits of elegant ladies, half length, wearing embroidered dresses with elaborate lace ruffs
- inscribed with inventory numbers on the glazing: 311, 312, 313
- set of three, all circular, oil on poplar (?) panels, framed together
- Each diameter 6in
Half length, wearing white lace collars
Provenance
Probably William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian (1605-75);
Certainly in the collection of John William Robert Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian (1794–1841), by 1833, when recorded in the inventory;
Thence by descent.
Certainly in the collection of John William Robert Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian (1794–1841), by 1833, when recorded in the inventory;
Thence by descent.
Literature
Newbattle Abbey inventory, March 1833, nos 311-313;
Newbattle Abbey inventory, December 1901, p. 70 (Lord Lothian's Study);
Monteviot House inventory, 14 July 1989, nos 311-313 (as French, Study);
R. Wenley, The Lothian Picture Collection: History and Context, M.Litt. diss., University of St Andrews, 1990, p. 67.
Newbattle Abbey inventory, December 1901, p. 70 (Lord Lothian's Study);
Monteviot House inventory, 14 July 1989, nos 311-313 (as French, Study);
R. Wenley, The Lothian Picture Collection: History and Context, M.Litt. diss., University of St Andrews, 1990, p. 67.
Condition
The three panels are uncradled, flat and stable. The left and centre roundels have each sustained small losses to their lower left edges, which have been carefully reapplied. The varnishes are relatively clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very little intervention, save very few, scattered pinprick retouchings, largely in the backgrounds and a handful in the face of the leftmost portrait, and around the right eye of the rightmost portrait. In overall very good condition. Framed as one in a stucco and gilt frame with losses at each corner.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Although it seems most likely that these portrait heads were all executed by the same artist, the head of the lady in profile differs from the others somewhat, not only in her costume, but in her resemblance to figures found in the work of the Prague School painters, such as Hans von Aachen. It is possible that the heads derive ultimately from prototypes originating in different centres and periods.