ENGLISH OR CONTINENTAL SCHOOL (16th century). PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN RUFF COLLAR, Oil on panel - 20 in. x 14 3/8 in. Estimate $1,000-1,500
Property of a European gentleman of royal title, collaterally descended from Marie Antoinette who maintains this portrait is the courtship portrait that King Philip II of Spain presented to Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII (and Philip's first cousin). It is said that upon viewing a portrait of Philip, Mary declared herself to be "half in love with him."
Heavy darkened varnish. Vertical crack through panel 2" from left edge repaired with splints (old repair) on reverse. Few minor losses along crack. Minor surface debris. UV: Appears fine (heavy varnish). Possibly some old minor inpainting along aforementioned crack.
