STAIR
Live Auction

The Fine Sale: Day One

Sat, Nov 3, 2018 11:00AM EDT
Lot 2280

English School: Portrait of William and Mary

Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000
Sold for
$12,000
Sold Price excludes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$200 $50
$500 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

Oil on canvas, unsigned, lined.

22 x 27 3/4 in., 28 x 34 in. (frame).

Note: This work appears to be after Godfrey Kneller's state portraits of William and Mary painted in 1690 as a separate pair, which hung in Kensington Palace. They are both shown in robes of state with orbs beside their crowns. The building in the background is Indigo Jones' banquet house, then Whitehall Palace. Kneller's official portraits were often copied and hung in British embassies abroad where they functioned as the official images of the monarchs. The portrayal and costume of William III here is reminiscent of Van Dyck's state portrait of Charles I. The resemblance may have been to remind the viewer that this newly-arrived king was Charles I's grandson.

Condition

Lined. The upper edge of the original canvas visible at top. Craquelure and tiny scattered spots of inpainting. Some surface soiling. Otherwise in good condition.