Follower of Hans von Aachen

Possibly William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian (1605-75);
Thence by descent.

Possibly Newbattle Abbey inventory, c. 1788 ('A man with a glass in his hand').

The canvas has an old and sound relining. The paint surface is in generally very good condition with some signs of minor wear around the beard and head which have been retouched. There is a small old damage on the forehead but otherwise repairs are limited to very minor local retouchings. Offered in a later gilt wood frame with ribbon twist and lambs-tongue mouldings in fair condition with only some small damages.
"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 letter from the 3rd Earl to his agent, John Clerk, dated 30 June 1649, lists a large number of desired items, including 'the picture of Hans von Acle.' It is unclear whether Lothian ever managed to acquire this painting; in a letter from September 1649 he wrote: 'divers things I miss... I did assuredly expect Hans van Akle and I did not thinke you would have stood wt me for sutch a matter.' But in a note written by Clerk after 1658, he records: 'Memor off what the Earle off Lothian hath of myne - 1 June 1652 - A fyne pictur off hans wanacle his head originall worth 200 Livre [...]'¹ Though the present painting does not appear to be mentioned in later records, it is just possible that it is the work referred to in these early sources.

1. All sources cited in R. Wenley, The Lothian Picture Collection: History and Context, M.Litt. diss., University of St Andrews, 1990, pp. 42-43, 47.