Studio of Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger

Sir Henry Edward Dering, 10th Bt., (1866–1931), Surrenden Dering, Kent;
With Frank Partridge, 26 King Street, London, by 1929;
With Mr. Arthurton, 1932;
Edward Hulton (1906-1988), Downside, Leatherhead;
His sale, London, John D. Wood, 23-25 July 1934, lot 573 (as 'Paul van Somers' to Penman for Hearst);
William Randolph Hearst, (1863-1951), St. Donat's Castle;
With M. Adams-Acton, 37 Palace Gate, London by March 1956 (as Paul van Somer).

Advertisement in Conoisseur, March 1956 (with M. Adams-Acton);
R. Strong, Tudor & Jacobean Portraits, London 1969, vol. I, p. 116, under no. 180.

The panel is in good condition and is providing a stable and flat support for the picture. The picture appears to be in fairly good condition, especially in the face, thought there is a history of flaking in the background, to which there is old retouching. There are two extant small losses of paint in the upper right, and there is some minor cracking and loss of paint along the panel joins, which are partially visible. There is a crazed and very dirty varnish overall, as well as flecks of surface dirt. The catalogue illustration is fairly representative, though the crazing of the varnish is more pronounced in the black of the sitter's cloak and the dirty varnish gives the picture a more yellowed tone. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of heavy over paint in the background, particularly upper right, and signs of minor old restoration in the lower section of the panel. The picture is held in an ebonised William Kent style architectural frame, with a gilded inner edge. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482.
"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."

Born in 1565, Robert was the son of Walter Devereux, 1^st Earl of Essex (1541-1576) and his wife Lettice Knollys (1543-1634). His maternal great-grandmother Mary Boleyn was a sister of Anne Boleyn, mother of Queen Elizabeth I, making him a first-cousin-twice-removed of the Queen, a position which would stand him in good stead as a courtier. First coming to court in 1584 he fast became a favourite of the Queen becoming Master of the Horse and a member of her Privy Council. In 1591 he was given command of a force sent to the assistance of King Henry IV of France and in 1596 he distinguished himself in the Capture of Cadiz. The prototype of this painting is the full-length portrait in the collection of the Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey, painted by Marcus Gheeraerts following Essex's return from the Cadiz expedition of 1596 during which he grew a beard. Essex's later career was tarnished by his failure to subjugate Ireland which ultimately led to his trial, rebellion and subsequent beheading in 1601.