Attributed to Steven van der Meulen

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 9 July 1997, lot 14;
With Richard Philp, London, by 1998, where acquired by the present owner.

The painting is a little less acidic in the colours than the catalogue illustration would suggest. It is painted on a three piece panel with a very slight bow. The paint surface is in very good overall condition and there are four additional old ancilliary splits down the grain which are now stable. as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is an old varnish overall and surface dirt including a spot of what looks like wax lower left. Examination under ultrviolet confirms the presence of a thick varnish. There is minor cosmtic work to the aforementioned splits and the odd very minor fleck of retouching to the tablecloth and background. There is also very minor fine cosmetic work in the face and to the beard, however the face is well preserved. There is also minor retouching to the fleshtones in the hand including retouching to a small spot of damage in his right hand. Overall the picture is in good well preserved condition. Offered in a brown and gold painted wood 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."

John Lumley was the son of George Lumley (c. 1492-1545) of Thwing, East Riding of Yorkshire and his wife Jane (d. c.1537), daughter of Sir Richard Knightley of Upton. Following the execution of his father for high treason for his part in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Lumley inherited the family estates around Durham in 1545. His political career was shaped by his marriage in 1550 to Jane (1537-1577), eldest child of Henry Fitzalan, 12^th Earl of Arundel (1512-1580). A steady adherent of Arundel’s, Lumley was implicated in the Ridolfi Plot of 1571 which led to his incarceration in the Tower of London. Following his imprisonment he returned to favour, and was appointed commissioner for settling claims for the coronation of Elizabeth I, whom he attended on her journey from Hatfield to London at her accession in 1558. Upon Arundel’s death he inherited Nonsuch Palace which he remitted to royal possession in 1592. Following a trip to Florence in 1566 he became a dedicated collector in his own right. His great passion for collecting portraits, which are listed in the Lumley inventory, was probably inspired by the collection formed by Duke Cosimo I of nomini illustri.