Beschreibung:

DescriptionThe Property of the Marquess of Lothian
Italian School, 17th CenturyA set of 6 historical portraits comprising: Godfrey of Bouillon (1060–1100); George Castriot, known as Skanderberg (1405–1468); Gonzalo Ferdández de Córdoba (1453–1515); Charles VIII, King of France (1470–1498); Pietro Aretino (1492–1556); Gabriel Bethlen (1580–1629)
each inscribed in Latin with the identity of the sitter;some inscribed with inventory numbersall oil on canvasunframed: each approx. 64 x 50 cm.; 25¼ x 19¾ in.framed: each approx. 72.2 x 58 cm.; 28½ x 22¾ in.(6)Condition reportThe following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Oils on canvas, in plain oak wood frames with gilt slips The six portraits are lined and there is good adhesion between the original canvas supports and the lining fabric, and tension is maintained throughout. The paint surfaces are, generally, well preserved and the paint layers are stable and secure. Original preserved paint texture, most visible in the lighter and highlighted passages, is in a good preserved state. Each portrait shows a degree minor restored paint loss. The portrait of Godfrey of Bouillon exhibits a fine horizontal fracture through his face and a vertical fracture, with minor associated paint loss, to his chest; Gonzales Fernando has visible restored loss scattered across his tunic. Many areas of the portraits are in a very good preserved state and fine details are maintained. The removal of the discoloured and degraded varnish layers to each portrait would improve the overall tonality and reveal original chromatic intent.
Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.ProvenanceProbably William Kerr 3rd Earl of Lothian (1605–1675);
Thence by descent.LiteratureJ. Macky, A journey through Scotland: in familiar letters from a gentleman here, to his friend abroad. Being the third volume, which compleats Great Britain, London 1723, p. 53;
Newbattle Abbey inventory, 10 March 1798 (listed in a variety of rooms);
Newbattle Abbey inventory, March 1833, nos 337, 341–42, 351, 356, 358;
R. Wenley, The Lothian Picture Collection: History and Context, M.Litt. diss., University of St Andrews, 1990, pp. 62–64.Catalogue noteWilliam Kerr's (1605–1675) legacy to the Lothian collection constituted some 300 pictures, a quantity that is all the more staggering in light of the political upheaval of these decades and William’s relatively small fortune. Chief among his collection were portraits, such as this set – in 1645, for instance, John Clerk (1611–1679), Kerr's agent in Europe, refers to his purchase for William of ‘32 pictures off noblemen and uthers in France [sic]’,1 following the taste for such series of ‘worthies’, that he would have seen in the grand Renaissance collections he encountered on his Tour. 
1 6 April 1645, Paris; Clerk to William Kerr 3rd Earl of Lothian.