English School (18th century), Francis Annesley (1663-1750) of Thorganby

English School (18th century)Francis Annesley (1663-1750) of ThorganbyInscribed Francis Annesley Esq lower right and further inscribed verso Oil on canvas 76 x 63.5cm (29¾ x 25 in.)Francis Charles Annesley (1663-1750) of Thorganby, son of The Hon. Francis Annesley (1628-1686) and Deborah Annesley (Lot 41), daughter of Reverend Henry Jones, Bishop of Meath. Grandson of Sir Francis Annesley, 1st Viscount Valentia, who purchased Bletchingdon Park in 1716. Francis Annesley (1663-1750) was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and admitted to the Inner Temple in 1684 becoming a bencher in 1713. Annesley was a member of both the British and Irish Parliaments between 1705-1714 and a Director of the New East India Company from 1700. By 1710, Annesley had shifted both his personal and political career to England and went on to marry three times. Portraits from the Annesley FamilyThe following five portraits depict members of the Annesley family who lived at Bletchingdon Park. The portraits have remained in the family and have been passed through generations to the present owner. Bletchingdon Park is a Grade II listed Palladian estate in Oxfordshire. The house was sold by the Coghill family in 1716 to Lord Valentia and remained in the family until 1948. The house which stands today on the park was built by James Lewis for Arthur Annesley, 5th Earl of Anglesey (6th Viscount Valentia). Since 1948 the estate has passed through a number of ownerships including William Astor, Hon. Robin Cayzer, Lord Rotherwick and Dr. Michael Peagram. Condition Report: The work has been lined. Heavy craquelure, surface dirt and surface scratches throughout. There is a small area of over-paint above the sitter's head which is visible in natural light and likely applied to stabilise an area of cupping to the original pigment. There are some scattered and isolated spotting of in-filling which are visible in natural light. Inspection under UV reveals scattered retouching and in-filling together with a thick green cloudy varnish throughout. Please note the varnish layer may be obstructing the true extent of restoration.Condition Report Disclaimer