Lot 117: Circle of Henri Gascars (Paris 1635-1701 Rome) Portrait of Baptist May, three-quarter-length, in a silver embroidered coat and a white chemise, standing before a damask curtain

Portrait of Baptist May, three-quarter-length, in a silver embroidered coat and a white chemise, standing before a damask curtain
oil on canvas
127.4 x 102.6cm (50 3/16 x 40 3/8in).
inscribed 'Baptist May Puvela Gumena/magister ad Carolum Secundum Regen*/PL' (upper left)

Baptist May (1628 - 1697) was by 1648 one of the Duke of York's pages and is remembered as one of Charles II's most trusted servants after the Restoration. In 1665 he was awarded the office of Keeper of his Privy Purse, being required to manage the king's private hoard of cash. He apparently had a talent to amuse rather than to conspire, and actually showed little skill when involved in high politics. Contemporary accounts report that May had an unfortunate habit of making tactless remarks: he even welcomed the Great Fire as it would make the City easier to control.