Lot 6
  • 6

Matthew Snelling

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • Matthew Snelling
  • Portrait of ELIZABETH MAY, 1646
  • signed inscribed and dated verso: MS / fe 1646 / Elizabeth May

  • watercolour and bodycolour on vellum, held in a gilt-metal frame

  • 6.5 by 5.2 cm.; 2 1/2 by 2 1/16 in.
with dark brown hair dressed in ringlets, wearing a silver-embroidered pale yellow gown, pearl earrings and necklace, sky and landscape background

Provenance

Anonymous sale, Phillips London, The Connoisseur's Cabinet, 10 April 2001, lot 615

Condition

The miniature is in good condition overall with the most insignificant loss of paint along the margin in the sky between 2 and 3 o'clock. For further information on this lot please contact either Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407) mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"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."

Catalogue Note

Elizabeth May was probably the daughter of Sir Humphrey May (1572-1630) and his second wife Judith (1598-1661), daughter of Sir William Poley. Her father was a prominent member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I, while her brother Baptist May (1628-1697) became a leading courtier and friend of King Charles II.