- Sussex 01403 700858
- Winchester 01962 861789
- London 020 4548 4738
- Sussex 01403 700858
- Winchester 01962 861789
- London 020 4548 4738
Second half 17th Century
Depicted wearing a lace collar and the Order of the Garter, with a metal thread border, mounted in a silver metal frame with spiral twist crest, red leather travelling case, 9cm high overall
| Estimate: | £800 - £1,200 |
| Hammer price: | £8,000 |
A comparable can be made to a finer example in the MET Museum, New York (accession 39.13.7). The MET example has a reference to Psalm 18, v 2-3 embroidered to the outer edge. It is noted that lesser examples are known in public and private collections, evidence that a small industry sprang up around the cult of the 'Martyr King' after 1649 - the execution of Charles I. These embroidered commemorative objects were probably made in a workshop setting.
The portrait is after a larger Anthony van Dyck formal court portrait of Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria of 1632, which was then engraved by Wenceslas Hollar in 1641 and in turn reproduced and proliferated in print.
Condition report:
Possibly made as part of a small cottage industry in reproducing images of the beheaded Charles I.
Fading overall, notably some of the colours will have discoloured and the metal thread to the border discoloured and moved. Some small holes in areas, notably in small areas to the collar and a small hole to the left side next to the border. This includes an area to where there is little vertical stitching and only areas of horizontal thread. In particular, some worn away areas to the left side of the collar and a third on the right side where some vertical thread is loose. There is also a worn area to the left sleeve.
The border also looks dislodged in some areas.
The frame is tarnished in areas. The case with wear and tears, particularly to the top where the twirly finial protrudes out.
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