17th Century British School Portrait Of A Lady (lely/beale)

17th Century British School Portrait of a Lady (Lely/Beale)

Period 1650-1700

Provenance:

From a private London collection
Also Christie's of London (old auction label to the verso)

Overall measurements including the ornate gilt frame are 100 cm x 83 cm x 9 cm and the pairing itself measuring 77 cm x 61 cm

A wonderful portrait of what was most likely a noblewoman in her deep burgundy period costume with dropped pearl earring and matching pearl braiding to her hair. The identity of this charismatic lady remains unknown.

This work has previously been sold as attributed to Mary Beale (1632-1699), however expert opinion points to the portrait, with its baroque oval border, being closer to the work of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680). As such we are offering it as British School, 17th century.

Naturalistic in style, this characterful portrait shows the hallmarks of a very skilled hand. The tonality is typical of Lely’s work, as is the direct gaze and the feigned oval border. There are, however, similarities between Lely’s work and Beale’s work, which explains the attribution.

Exceptionally large and beautifully painted, this work comes from a private collection. It was acquired by the previous owner from Christie’s.

Condition report: In very good conditions having been restored with a few areas of generally well / blended retouching, the restoration work most likely within the last circa 40/50 years.

The painting has been lined and there is fine craquelure throughout. The paint surface is stable and the canvas is in good tension. There are no patch repairs.

The frame is from a later period and probably commissioned for the painting and is of a very good quality and in good condition. We are offering the frame as a gift.

** Westcoast Fine Art is always willing to consider sensible offers from prospective buyers. Please feel most welcome to send an enquiry with any proposal or offer and we will give it consideration and respond within 24 hours.

Please note:

The buyer will be responsible for paying any import duties and any associated taxes in the country of destination. All work will be professionally packed for shipping and insured.

Shipping:

1) Free shipping is offered to the country of origin of the painting (subject to conditions). Please enquire with us prior to purchase.
2) All other EU shipping is £90
3) All other Worldwide shipping is £150
4) Shipping to the UK, NI and Ireland is £50

We offer a 14 day returns policy with strict conditions that the painting is returned in the same condition it was when received and packed to the same standard of packaging and fully insured to the price paid to Westcoast Fine Art Ltd for the artwork.

**The buyer will be liable to pay the customs fees payable in the country of destination. We always advise the purchaser to enquire with local customs authorities to establish customs tariffs.

Westcoast Fine Art is a trading name for Westcoast Fine Art Ltd. Company registered in England and Wales No. 15030029
Registered office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ