John Bettes the Younger

Collection of J.O. Flatter

The panel is secure. There is an old join running vertically down the centre of the panel that has separated in the past and been repaired with a strip on the reverse. There are some retouchings along this line and in the right side of the ladies face and along the bottom left edge of her chin. The background and darker tones have a degree of restoration and there are throughout scattered strenghtenings with the wood grain. The paint surface shows sign of wear in some areas. The varnish appears clear but fluoresces unevenly under UV light.
"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."

The attribution to Bettes the Younger was endorsed by Sir Roy Strong in 1991.  Although numerous portraits of Queen Elizabeth I are attributed to Bettes, signed works by him are very rare.  Another such, a portrait of a girl which is dated 1587, is recorded at St. Olave and St. Saviours grammar school in London.  According to George Vertue Bettes was trained by Nicholas Hilliard and his working career was based entirely in London.  The sitter is depicted wearing beaver fur, which would at that date have been imported from Russia.