Lot 337: JOHN RILEY | Portrait of George, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem, Judge Jeffreys (1645-1689)

oil on canvas

74 by 62 cm.; 29 by 24 1/2  in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has a hard relining, but the paint surface is not too pressed. The paint surface is clean. The background does not have as much build up of paint as the figure, but its not clear whether this is due to wear or how it was originally intended. There is thick paint in the face. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a milky varnish; a very fine scratch in the sitter's left cheek and three very minor retouchings in his face. There is tiny degree of cosmetic restoration in the left of his fur, and the right of his red cloak, as well as in two places in the upper background. Overall the picture is in good condition with barely any restoration visible under ultraviolet light, and ready for display. This lot is offered in a carved gilt wood frame, with some tiny knocks to the gilding, but otherwise in 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."

London, Royal Academy, The Age of Charles II, 1960-1961, no. 365

G. Barker, The History and Antiquities of the Country of Northamptonshire, 1838, Part IV, p. 145, as displayed in the Long Gallery;
H. Avray Tipping, 'Easton Neston, Northamptonshire, The Seat of Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh Bt', in Country Life, Vol. XXIV, 14 November 1908, pp. 672-673, reproduced, as displayed in The Long Gallery;
G. W. Keeton, Lord Chancellor Jeffreys and the Stuart Cause, 1965, p. 514, plate 6b.

By descent to Henrietta Louisa Jeffreys, the sitter's granddaughter, who married Thomas Fermor, 1^st Earl of Pomfret;
By descent to the 2^nd Baron Hesketh, Easton Neston, Northamptonshire;
By whose Heirs and Trustees sold with the contents of Easton Neston, Sotheby's, Session I, 17 May 2005, lot 56.