Circle of Mary Beale (1633-1699)

Circle of Mary Beale (1633-1699) Portrait of a gentleman, bust-length, wearing a red cloak, in a feigned stone cartouche oil on canvas 74.5 x 61.5cm

Provenance: Collection of Mike Handford, 'Hillsleigh', Burford, Oxfordshire

Framed 86 x 72.5cm The painting is executed in oil on a canvas support which has been lined. The canvas tension is stiff and the picture is in plane. The texture of the twill weave canvas is very prominent in the surface of the paint layer, possibly exacerbated through lining. The paint layers are in a good, stable condition overall. The varnish layer is thick, glossy and very yellowed. There are dark drip marks at the top of the painting.