Studio of Sir Anthony van Dyck

By descent in the Bewicke-Copley family, latterly Barons Cromwell, at Sprotbrough Hall, Yorkshire, until the 1920s when the Hall was demolished;
Thence by descent in the family in Leicestershire to David Godfrey Bewicke-Copley, 6th Baron Cromwell (1929–1982) at The Manor, Great Milton, Oxfordshire;
By descent to his son, Godfrey John Bewicke-Copley, 7th Baron Cromwell, the present owner.

Sewerby Hall, Yorkshire, on long-term loan from the present owner, 2005–12.

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The canvas is lined. The paint surface has an uneven varnish. There are scattered tiny paint losses throughout and some scratches and abrasions including within the sitter's face. There is a very fine pattern of craquelure throughout. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows an uneven and discoloured varnish layer, and small scattered spots and lines of retouching. Overall the painting is in good condition. The work is framed.
"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 studio variant of van Dyck's 1635–36 marginally smaller portrait of King Charles I in the collection of the Duke of Norfolk, Arundel Castle, Sussex.¹ This image became very popular, and is known through several other good versions and copies. The King is depicted in a fine suit of armour, appropriate to his image as a warrior prince, with the Garter badge hanging from its gold chain around his neck and a marshal's baton in his right hand. His left hand rests upon his helmet which is placed in front of an imperial crown. The King's direct, unflinching gaze and commanding presence, combined with van Dyck's brilliant realism, make this one of the most enduring images of Charles I.

The Cromwell title was created in 1375 for Ralph de Cromwell (d. 1398), of Tattershall in Lincolnshire. His grandson, Ralph de Cromwell, 3rd Baron Cromwell (c. 1393–1456), fought for Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt and served as Treasurer of England and Chamberlain of the Household during the reign of Henry VI. The title fell into abeyance in 1497, until it was inherited in 1923 by Robert Godfrey Bewicke-Copley (1893–1966), who became 5th Baron Cromwell in 1923. The Copleys were a prominent Yorkshire family who lived at Sprotbrough Hall, near Doncaster, and in 1661 were created baronets by Charles II for their loyalty to the Crown during the English Civil War. Sir Godfrey Copley, 2nd Bt. (c. 1653–1709) was a distinguished art collector and scientist, for whom the Copley Medal, the Royal Society's premier award for scientific achievement, is named.

1. See S. Barnes et. al., Van Dyck, a complete catalogue of his works, London 2004, p. 466, cat. no. IV.49, reproduced.