Studio of Gerrit van Honthorst

Possibly given by the sitter to William Ist Baron and Earl of Craven (1608-1697), Coombe Abbey;
Thence by descent in the Craven family to Maria Rebecca Craven, sister of William 5th Baron Craven, who married Thomas 4th Baron Leigh of Stoneleigh;
By descent until sold by the Trustees of the Stoneleigh Settlement, London, Christie's, 20th November 1981, lot 86 (bt. for £2,200) where purchased by the present owners.

W.J. Hoogsteder, De Schilderijen van Frederik en Elizabeth Koning en Koningin van Bohemen, 1988, Doctorial thesis, Vol I, p. 115, no. 37:5;
J. R. Judson and R. E. O. Ekkart, Gerrit Van Honthorst, Ghent 1999, no. 336 (5), p. 262 (as Studio, whereabouts unknown)

STRUCTURE The panel consists of three separate oak sections, joined vertically. The panel is not cradled and is providing a flat and stable support for the painting. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is no visible loss of paint and there are no apparent damages. The paint is quite thin in the lower section of the painting, as well as in the background, however the flesh tones appear strong. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching to the background and a small amount in the flesh tones of the sitters neck and chest. There are a very small number of very small minor retouches in the face, mainly to the corner of the left eye, and there is a slightly opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a dark painted wooden frame with a gilded inner edge. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@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."

Honthorst obtained the patronage of Frederick and his wife Elizabeth as a result of his visit to England in 1628 and on Charles I's recommendation. His first portraits of the King and Queen were painted in 1629 and are now untraced. In 1632 he painted the state portrait of the Queen, completing that of her husband in 1634 after his death. The present fine portrait shows her in mourning for her husband and is one of a group based on that full length state portrait of 1632, now in the Heidelberg Kurpfälzisches Museum.