English School circa 1615-20

full length, standing, wearing a black doublet and hose with a black mantel and a white ruff

Probably from Wentworth Woodhouse;
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 8 April 1998, lot 1

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting is generally in good condition. There is some surface dirt towards the edges of the canvas that would clean off easily. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals scattered light re-touching, including to the face, hands and ruff. FRAME Held in a wooden frame.
"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."

The inscription appears to be by the same hand as a group of pictures from Wentworth Woodhouse. This group also formed part of the will of the 2nd Earl of Strafford, which is dated 9th September 1695. This painting, number 54 of that will, is described by the 2nd Earl as "My father's picture at length when he was a young man by Mitten" (Sir Oliver Millar, For Veronica Wedgewood These Studies in Seventeenth Century History, ed. by R. Ollard and P. Tudor-Craig, London, 1986, p.122).