24th Feb, 2026 10:00
Peter Petrou | Outward Bound
75
North European School, 17th century
Portrait of a Lady, traditionally identified as Christina, Queen of Sweden, three-quarter-length, in a silver coat and veiled tall hat, with discarded armour at her feet
oil on canvas
70 x 59cm; framed 95 x 84cm
Provenance:The collection of Professor Alessandro Parronchi;
Soprintendenza alle Gallerie, Firenze.
Exhibited: The Nationalmuseum Stockholm, 'XI Exhibition of the Council of Europe', 1966.
In 1654, Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689) renounced her Protestant throne to convert to Catholicism and moved to Rome. Depicted in shining robes and an ornate headdress, she stands by a rocky cliff at sunset, looking toward the reflected image of a helmeted figure - probably her father, Gustavus Adolphus. The discarded armour and flag at her feet symbolise her decision to relinquish behind military power and national duty in favour of personal, intellectual and spiritual freedom.
Sold for £9,000
Condition Report
Fine craquelure present across the surface, though the painting presents well overall. Canvas relined. Under UV light, small areas of restoration are visible in the sky, please refer to the additional images for reference. There are also some patchy fluorescent areas along the lower left edge and corner, likely indicating older restoration beneath the varnish, although these are not apparent under normal lighting. Verso, there are two darkened patch areas. The first is located at the upper left, with a slightly glue-like texture and appearance, which may indicate a previous repair; the canvas also feels slightly raised in this area. The second dark spot is positioned at the lower centre. However, under UV light there is no fluorescence or other indication of restoration associated with this area. Please the images for the referenced issues in the image section of Lot 75.
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Auction: Peter Petrou | Outward Bound, 24th Feb, 2026
Peter Petrou’s five decades in the art and antiques world form a story as compelling as the objects with which he has long been synonymous. Guided not by fashion but by instinct - “a disease curable only by death,” he jokes - Petrou has spent his life championing pieces that defy category, logic or expectation. Outward Bound, to be held on Tuesday 24 February 2026, gathers works from his stock and personal collection: objects chosen over a lifetime of looking, thinking, feeling… and matchmaking. For Petrou has always believed that dealers are custodians, not conquerors.
If you’d like to purchase a catalogue, please email auctions@sworder.co.uk or call 01279 817778.
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Monday 2 - Friday 13 February at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 5.30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 20 February, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 22 February, 10am - 1pm
Monday 23 February, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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