18th Mar, 2026 10:00
Fine Interiors
437
Follower of Sir Peter Lely
A pair of portraits:
a portrait of a nobleman, possibly John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, three-quarter-length, in a red cloak;
a portrait of a lady, three-quarter-length seated, in a gold dress and blue wrap
oil on canvas
(2)
126 x 102cm; framed 142 x 118cm
Provenance:With Messrs. Sotheby & Co., London;
Donnington Castle House, Newbury, Berkshire.
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The Selected Contents of Donnington Castle House, Newbury, Berkshire
Browse the selection of lots from 'The Selected Contents of Donnington Castle House, Newbury, Berkshire ', featured in our 17&18 March 'Fine Interiors' auction.
£4,000 - £6,000
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
17th century. Craquelure. Light surface dirt. The portrait of a nobleman has stretcher marks to the upper edge. Numerous spots of overpainting and infillling can be seen to the sitter's hair, clothing and background. A very small loss can be seen to the right of the sitters eye, please refer to images for reference. Canvas has been relined. Under UV light, extensive areas of retouching are visible across the background of the portrait, please refer to additional images for reference. It appears that the painting has undergone multiple campaigns of restoration, as there are distinct layers of retouching visible. Some areas fluoresce darker and more matte than others, suggesting variations in the materials used and indicating different phases of overpaint. Under the normal light there are small sections of restoration which appear matte, which contrasts to the overall glossy finish on the painting. Additional infilling is also present within the craquelure on the sitter’s face and the surrounding areas. A strong green fluorescence is evident, likely associated with the varnish layer; however, this fluorescence is absent from the sitter’s face and neck. In my opinion this suggests that these areas have been selectively cleaned rather than retouched, in contrast to the more substantial retouching observed elsewhere. The green varnish may conceal any further restorations.
The portrait of a lady, shows a light surface scratch across the sitter’s dress near the lower edge of the painting. The paint layer is thin in several areas. Light surface dirt and dust. Along the upper edge, small spots of overpainting and infilling are present, displaying a noticeably glossy finish. The canvas has been relined. Craquelure. Under UV light, small areas of retouching can be seen in the upper‑left quarter of the painting and throughout the background. Additional minor retouching and infilling are present on the sitter’s face, chest, and arms; please refer to the images for further detail. A green fluorescence, likely associated with the varnish layer, is visible across the background and may be concealing additional restorations.
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Auction: Fine Interiors, 18th Mar, 2026
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 13 March, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 15 March, 10am - 1pm
Monday 16 March, 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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