Gerrit van Honthorst

By descent to the sitter's mother, Elizabeth of Bohemia, who bequeated her portraits to William 1st Baron and Earl of Craven (1608-1697), Coombe Abbey;
Thence by family descent, until sold, anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 11 December 1984, lot 90 (bt. for £5,500), where purchased by the present owners.

J. R. Judson and R.E.O. Ekkart, Gerrit Von Honthorst, Ghent 1999, no. 364, p. 275, plate 257.

STRUCTURE The panel consists of three separate sections and is supported by two vertical batons along the panel joins, verso. The panel is providing a flat and stable support for the painting. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition, with there is no visible damage or loss of paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals minor but extensive infilling to craquelure and retouching overall. FRAME Held in a gilded wood and plaster frame. 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 painted his pupil, the beautiful and talented Louise Hollandine, on a number of occasions. The earliest is dated 1636 and shows her when a child of fourteen. The latest is dated 1650 and is the property of the National Trust (hanging at Ashdown House). This fine picture is the only autograph portrait of her by Honthorst which remains in private hands. There are copies in the collections of the Duke of Atholl and the Lobkowicz family.