- 35
Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.
- Portrait of Nicola Matteis (c.1640-1714)
- inscribed and dated on the canvas, verso: Nicholas Matteis / G. Kneller F / 1682
- oil on canvas, in a painted oval, unlined
Provenance
William Barrow, Llandudno, Wales, and by descent to his heir, Miss D. Weir;
Formerly the property of Lord Angelsey, according to an old label, verso.
Formerly the property of Lord Angelsey, according to an old label, verso.
Literature
M. Tilmouth, 'Nicola Matteis', in The Musical Quarterly, vol. XLVI, no. 1, January 1960, pp. 22-40, reproduced;
P. H. Highfill, A biographical dictionary of actors, actresses, musicians, dancers, managers & other stage personnel in London, 1660-1800, Illinois 1984, p. 141.
P. H. Highfill, A biographical dictionary of actors, actresses, musicians, dancers, managers & other stage personnel in London, 1660-1800, Illinois 1984, p. 141.
Catalogue Note
This signed and dated work is the only known portrait of the first notable Italian Baroque violinist to have settled in London. A composer of significant popularity in his time and a virtuoso performer he revolutionised the use of the violin in London and introduced the Italian style of playing the instrument into English taste.