Sir Peter Lely and Studio

 

The canvas has been recently relined, cleaned and varnish. The paint surface is secure and is in overall good condition. There are two superficial surface scratches in the background, centre left, the longer measuring approximately 6 cm. Much of the impasto in the hair, face and right shoulder remains intact. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching to a horizontal tear across the bottom of the collar, measuring approximately 20 cm. There are small scattered retouchings to the background and drapery. The face and hair of the sitter remain largely untouched. Offered in a gilt gesso moulded frame with some losses.
"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."

James Butler, first Duke of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was born at Clerkenwell, Middlesex to Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles (c. 1596–1619), son and heir of Walter Butler, eleventh Earl of Ormond, and Elizabeth Poyntz (c. 1588–1673) from Iron Acton, Gloucestershire. The Butlers were one of the principal families of Anglo-Norman settlers to survive in Ireland from the middle ages, but the first Duke of Ormonde broke with the Catholicism of his forebears to become one of the most significant statesmen and soldiers in the service of King Charles I in his campaign against the Irish uprising that preceded the English Civil War. Ormonde remained loyal to the Stuarts throughout his life despite falling in and out of favour. Following the execution of Charles I, he lived in exile from 1647–60, upon his return he received the English earldom of Brecknock, meaning he could sit in the English House of Lords, as well as the subsidiary title of Baron Butler of Llanthony. More momentous, however, was his elevation to the Irish dukedom of Ormonde in 1661. A unique distinction, it confirmed his standing as Charles's foremost subject in that kingdom. Until his death in 1688, the Duke of Ormonde held various different senior offices in the court of Charles II, was often consulted on Irish matters and ultimately gained a reputation for being loyal, uncompromising and highly principled. 

This portrait is a head and shoulder variant of the full length portrait of Ormonde, by Lely, in the collection of the Earl of Home and another full length sold in these rooms, 28 April 1971, lot 14 (as Kneller), from the collection of the Earl of Shrewsbury. An oval head-and-shoulder variant given to Lely is recorded in the collection at Bowhill.¹

^1. For further versions see R. B. Beckett, Lely, London 1951, p. 57, cat. no. 403.