Fox Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
The piece is dated verso 1660 and the sitter was likely associated with the Stuart court in exile. Following defeat in battle or in fear of persecution, many Royalists fled to continental Europe—most notably France, the Netherlands, and the Spanish Netherlands (modern Belgium).
Stylistically, the miniature aligns with the work of the Anglo-French painter David des Granges, though most oil miniatures on copper of this type remain anonymous. At the outbreak of the English Civil War, the demand for Royalist portrait tokens was high, and des Granges supported himself by painting likenesses of loyalist supporters.
David des Granges, the son of Samson de Granges and Marie Bouvier, was baptised twice on 24 March 1611—first at the French church on Threadneedle Street, and again at St Ann Blackfriars. He married in 1636 and moved from the parish of St Ann Blackfriars to Long Acre, where he was living again near the end of his life around 1672.
After the Restoration in 1660, des Granges’ work shows the influence of court painter Jacob Huysmans, and possibly Samuel Cooper. Though considered a leading artist of his time, his securely attributed works are now difficult to identify.
Stand not included.
Provenance:
Purchased at auction in Belgium as a 17th-century miniature.
Condition:
There is some retouching above the sitter’s head. As with most miniatures of this type, the varnish has discoloured over time, causing a slight darkening of the surface. Otherwise, the work remains in good condition. The wooden oval is cracked in two places.
Size
10cm x 8cm Oval
22cm 20cm Framed
Fox Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
We are experienced dealers in english and french fine art dating from the 17th century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Fox Fine Art Profile Page
Circle of David Des Granges (1611–1672), Oil on Copper Portrait Miniature, Dated 1660
