Youngs Antiques

Description

A 17th century portrait of queen Mary II circle of Willem Wissing 1656 - 1687.
On the back of the portrait is an old label describing the paint as being Mary Modena. Which is in fact false, as there is a portrait in the National galleries Scotland and you can see they are completely different subjects. The portrait of queen Mary II in the Royal collection signed by Wissing is nearly identical to this example, having the same clothing, the same jewels and the same face but with longer hair. Perhaps this was by a student of Wissing?
The label on the back also refers to this painting as being sold in the sale of the contents of Thorpe Hall, Louth, Lincolnshire on behalf of J.L.Fytche on the 27th June 1885 Lot no.365.
The painting was then purchased by Geoffrey Harmsworth from Miss Grace Gresswell, 7 George street, Louth ( whose father acquired it from the 1885 sale). The label also documents some restoration being done on the painting on behalf of Geoffrey Harmsworth in 1939.
Geoffrey Harmsworth Purchased Thorpe Hall in 1938, which would roughly pin point the date off the label as the painting was purchased by him in 1939. A copy of the original catalogue for the sale of the contents of Thorpe Hall is still available to view in the Lincolnshire archives.
The painting itself is beautifully painted and is in very good condition. It has some old restorations and a small hole near the centre (pictured). The gilt carved frame is in good condition having the usual ware to the gilding commiserate with age.
Canvas size - Height 76.5cm x Width 63.5cm
Frame size - Height 96.5 x Width 84.5cm x Depth 6.5cm

Dimensions
Height = 96.5 cm (38.0")
Width = 84.5 cm (33.3")
Depth = 6.5 cm (2.6")