Property from a Private Collection, Sold Without Reserve
Portrait of Luis Veldrof
No reserve
Auction Closed
May 22, 04:37 PM GMT
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Property from a Private Collection, Sold Without Reserve
Circle of Vicente López y Portaña
Portrait of Luis Veldrof
oil on canvas
canvas: 28 ½ by 23 ⅜ in.; 72.4 by 59.4 cm
framed: 34 ½ by 29 ¾; 87.6 by 75.6 cm
Keith Merrill (1887-1959), and Katharine Ayer Merrill (1890-1981), Avalon, Prides Crossing, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. (probably acquired by the former during his diplomatic post as Consul in Madrid, 1922);
Thence by descent to their son, Dr. Keith Merrill Jr. (d. 2007), Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts;
Thence by descent to the present collectors.
This portrait closely relates to Vicente López’s renowned depiction of Luis Veldrof (1758–1840) in the Museo del Prado, Madrid.1 In the Prado version, Veldrof is shown holding a key in his right hand—a symbol of his status and position—whereas in the present portrait, he holds a folded letter addressed to him in Madrid. Veldrof served as chief chamberlain and concierge of the Royal Palace of Spain. Beginning his service to the Royal Household at a young age, he rose steadily through the ranks to attain the prestigious positions, including that of chamberlain. He shared a close relationship with Vicente López and was responsible for signing off on López’s selection of paintings for the collection of the Real Museo de Pinturas.
1 Inv. no. P004407, oil on canvas, 100 by 80 cm.
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