CORNELIUS JOHNSON (ALSO KNOWN AS CORNELIS JANSSENS VAN CEULEN) | Portrait of John Hamilton, 1st Lord Bargany (d. 1658)

In the collection of the family of the present owners since at least the 18th century.

K.E. Maison, 'Portraits by Cornelius Johnson in Scotland', in The Burlington Magazine, vol. LXXIV, February 1939, pp. 86-91, cat. no. 8.

In overall very good condition. The canvas is lined, the paint surface is stable and relatively clean and the varnish is slightly discoloured. There is a pinprick loss in the upper left corner and there are faint stretcher marks along all four margins and horizontally across the centre of the canvas. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick, milky varnish beneath which it is possible to discern a thin line of restoration to a superficial, vertical scratch in the sitter's right hand, measuring 10 cm., and a handful of small retouchings scattered around the sitter's hair, in the background and in his right shoulder. Offered in a plain painted wood frame in good condition.
"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."

A very similar version of this portrait is recorded in the collection of Captain Dalrymple-Hamilton at Bargany.¹ 1. See A.J. Finberg, 'A Chronological List of Portraits by Cornelius Johnson, or Jonson', in The Walpole Society, vol. X, 1921-22, p. 34, reproduced plate LXXI(a).