Attributed to Mary Beale (British 1632-1697). Portrait of C...

Estimate

£2,000 - £3,000

Attributed to Mary Beale (British 1632-1697). Portrait of Charles II & Catherine of Braganza, half-length, he wearing half-armour, gold embroidered jacket and white lace jabot, with gold chain and enamel pendant of St. George slaying the Dragon, Queen Catherine wearing lace mantilla, pearl necklace and gold embroidered gown with lace trim, oil on canvas, in matching rope-twist and tied reed wood and gesso frames, painted in Verdigris over original gilding, 64x51cm (25”x20”). The daughter of a Rector, Mary Beale was a friend and likely student of Sir Peter Lely whom she met whilst living in Suffolk. They remained friends after she moved to Otterbourne in Hampshire, with the Beale family commissioning a number of family portraits from Lely who also loaned Mary Beale some of his old portraits to copy. There are similarities between this portrait and an example by Lely in the National Portrait Gallery, London. The treatment of the lace in both pictures is comparable to known portraits by Mary Beale. CONDITION: Under UV light there are signs of retouching of the facial areas of both portraits. Two small visible tears to the right of the King’s head. Old repair, approximately 1 inch, around hair near his right shoulder. Even Craquelure to both paintings. Old restorer’s label to both for F.J. Harris, Bath, 1957 and partial Depository labels for Taunton, both paintings have handwritten note pasted verso stating ownership to Phillip William Harding and dated Sept 24th 1900. PROVENANCE: These paintings have remained in the Harding family since they were reputably given by Charles II to Reverend Thomas Hickman for his support during the Civil War, passing by direct descent through the Hickman family to Becket and Harding families. A staunch Royalist, Reverend Hickman had raised a Troop of Horses at his own expense and sent the troop of to fight in the Battle of Newbury, with his own son Samuel Hickman in charge as captain. Samuel Hickman was killed in battle and his father was later arrested by Cromwell and imprisoned having had his property confiscated. After the Restoration of The Monarchy the family petitioned Charles II but were never compensated for the losses.