* After a follower of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait ...

Hammer

£1,700

* After a follower of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680),
Portrait of Elizabeth Countess of Ailesbury,
Oil on canvas,
74.5cm x 62cm,
Gilt framed

NOTE: This is a copy of an original work that is widely credited to "A follower of Sir Peter Lely".

More Information

The picture has been re-lined in the relatively recent past. The paint surface shows fine craquelure, most noticeable in the pale flesh tones, particularly the forehead. Examination under UV shows evidence of minor restoration to the shoulders, neck and wrist, and to small areas of the dark background, including behind the shoulders, with further minor re-touches across the paint surface. UV also shows wear and small losses to paint surface of the face and décolletage. The frame shows losses to the gilt and gesso finish throughout, and evidence of historic woodworm activity. We believe this picture to date to the late 18th or early 19th century.