Workshop of Sir Godfrey Kneller

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 16 October 1959, lot 140 (as Follower of Kneller);

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 1 June 1962, lot 111 (as Follower of Kneller);

In the collection of the present owner since 1986.

The painting is a workshop copy after the portrait of Peter the Great at Kensington Palace.¹ Kneller painted the prime version for William III in 1698, on the occasion of the Tsar's visit to London. The ships visible through the window in the background are a tribute to Russian ambitions for naval power. 

¹ https://www.rct.uk/collection/405645/peter-the-great-tsar-of-russia-1672-1725