Sir Peter Lely

By family descent.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is clear and even. There appear to be pentimenti around the sitter's shoulders and left arm, where the artist has cropped the silhouette of the sitter (visible in the catalogue illustration). Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching to an inverted L-shaped tear, on the edge of the left side of the sitter's face, measuring 5 cm. across and 17 cm. down. There is also a horizontal line of retouching on the lower right margin, measuring 20 cm., and two other areas of retouching on the lower margin, each measuring approx. 2 by 4 cm. There are other small scattered retouchings in the background, in the sitter's hair and in his dress, notably on his right shoulder. In overall good condition.
"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."

A distinguished man of learning and erudition, Sir Henry Osborne was the son of Sir Peter Osborne, the Royalist Governor of Castle Cornet on Guernsey who held the island for the King during the Civil War. In 1672 Henry was knighted by Charles II for his loyalty to the crown and served as an Esquire of the Body to the King. He was the founder and first treasurer of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich, and a patron of Sir Peter Lely, who stayed with him at the family's seat, Chicksands Priory in Bedfordshire.

We are grateful to Diana Dethloff and Catherine MacLeod for endorsing the attribution and for dating the work to the 1650s.