After Sir Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599-1641) Portrait of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford

Description:

After Sir Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599-1641)

Portrait of Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford
Unsigned, sitter identified in a later pencil inscription on the stretcher.
Oil on canvas, 24 x 20 in. (61.5 x 50.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Relined, retouch, craquelure with areas of flaking, scattered paint losses, surface grime.

N.B. A bill of sale from John Mason (Rotherham),Ltd., England, which accompanies the lot, indicates that the subject of the portrait is Thomas, Earl of Strafford. The invoice is made out to Mrs. F.S. Blodgett, December 6, 1929, and states that the painting was purchased from Lord Galway's Sale, Serlby Hall, no date given. The invoice also states that portrait was "considerably over 100 years old" and that it had an old lining already at the time of purchase.

Also accompanying the lot is a business card from Blodgett & Dyck's, Inc., Gunsmiths, Firearms, Accessories, Boston, Massachusetts, with notations on the back regarding cleaning and minor restoration of the work done by "Regamey, South Strafford, Vermont," presumably David and Faith Regamey of the Child's Gallery which was located there.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Thomas Wentworth, 1st earl of Strafford (1593-1641),was a leading adviser to King Charles I of England. His attempt to consolidate the sovereign power of the king led to his impeachment and execution by Parliament. The nobleman was the subject of several portraits by Sir Anthony van Dyck, including one from which an engraving was made by Jacobus Houbraken (Dutch, 1698-1780) in 1740 using the same pose as the work at hand.

Also accompanying the lot are two old postcards showing Wentworth Woodhouse and the memorial to the Earl of Strafford at Wentworth Old Church.
Estimate $800-1,200

The current lining is new.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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