Attributed to Hieronimos Custodis

Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh, London, The Arts Council, The Shakespeare Exhibition, 1964, no. 15

R. Strong, The English Icon, London 1969, no. 161, p. 203 (illus.)

STRUCTURE On a flat three piece panel with two horizontal baton mounts, PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fair condition. There is evidence of old very minor flaking throughout the sitter's costume which has now been stabilised. Towards the bottom of the panel the paint appears to be more unstable and there is some crackling and bubbling visible. This has led to an area of paint loss in the lower right measuring approx 1in. There is also evidence of some minor retouching which has discoloured slightly on the sitter's face. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals evidence of an early campaign of retouching to the face, as mentioned above, the background and the panel joins. A thick milky varnish overall makes further inspection difficult. FRAME Held in a black and gold Dutch style 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, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@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."

A prominent member of Elizabeth I's court, and one of the Queen's godson's, Harrington was a soldier, author and master of art. Born in Kelston, Somerset, his father was a poet and his mother, Isabella Markham, a gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber to the Queen. He served under the Earl of Essex in Ireland but is best remembered today for his literary work. 

Another version of this portrait, damaged and cut down but attributed to Custodis, is in the National Portrait Gallery.