After Sir Anthony van Dyck

indistinctly inscribed upper left: Sir Edward Coke

Colonel Welham Coke (according to a mount at the Witt Library, London);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 28 January 1983, lot 6 (as Follower of Van Dyck).

S. Barnes et al., Van Dyck. A complete catalogue of his paintings, New Haven and London 2004, p. 620, under cat.no IV.248 (as a copy).

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is stable and the thick varnish is slightly discoloured. Close inspection reveals a very small area of paint loss in the sitter's forehead. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick, milky varnish underneath which areas of retouching are visible scattered throughout the composition, most notably in the sitter's face to disguise some areas of wear. 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 period copy after Van Dyck's original portrait of an unknown man, today in the Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, São Paulo.¹

1. See Barnes et al. 2004, p. 620, cat. no. IV.248, reproduced.