English School (18th century), Portrait of the Reverend Francis Annesley (1699-1740)

English School (18th century)Portrait of the Reverend Francis Annesley (1699-1740)Oil on canvas Inscribed to stretcher verso 76 x 63cm (29¾ x 24¾ in.)Provenance:By descent to the present ownerThe Reverend Francis Annesley (1699-1740) was the eldest son of Francis Charles Annesley of Thorganby (Lot 40) and his first wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Joseph Martin. Rev. Francis Annesley was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, admitted to St. John's College Cambridge in 1719 and concluded his education at Trinity College, Dublin in 1725. Despite marrying Elizabeth Sutton in 1721 divorce was granted in 1725 on grounds of 'unlawful familiarity and adulterous conversation with Don Rodrigo a person of foreign birth'. In 1729, Annesley married Anne, daughter of Robert Gayer. Portraits from the Annesley FamilyLot 40-44 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 canvas has been lined. Light surface scratched, dirt and craquelure throughout. Stretcher mark partially visible. Inspection under UV reveals scattered retouching throughout together with a green cloudy varnish. Overall this work appears to be in good restored condition commensurate with age.Condition Report Disclaimer