Spencelayhs of Cambridgeshire

Description

Frame: 51.5cm x 62cm
Sight:40.5cm x 51cm

Sir Edward Nicholas (1593–1669)
After William Dobson (1611–1646)
Oil on canvas [later framed]

A fine late 19th-century oil portrait of Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State to both King Charles I and Charles II, The most trusted of Royal administrators of the Stuart court.
The work follows William Dobson’s original portrait of Nicholas that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, London [NPG 6104].

The canvas dates between 1874 and 1895, identified by the style of the Windsor & Newton stamp on the reverse. Also inscribed above, is “Helena A. Wright, after Vander Helst [Van Der Helst], Sir Edward Nicholas”—a mistaken attribution, as the composition clearly follows that of Dobson’s NPG6104.

Condition: The painting presents very well, retaining good depth and a stable surface with an even, varnish sheen. Under UV light, (images available) a few small, well-executed historic retouchings are visible, mainly to the background and lower areas, entirely consistent with its age. There is light flaking to the lower centre (Images available) and a minor surface graze to the sitter’s upper head, both discreet and unobtrusive. There are three canvas patches verso (see image), however, the canvas remains firm and well tensioned within its later gilt frame. Overall, a well-preserved and decorative late Victorian copy after Dobson’s original, which could benefit from a light professional clean to refresh the surface and subtly brighten the tones.

Item sent fully protected and tracked Worldwide.

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