Portrait of 1st Duke and 4th Marquess of Montrose (1682-1742), 18th Century

Large 18th century bust length portrait of gentleman, said to be James Graham, 1st Duke and 4th Marquess of Montrose. The sitter has been depicted in blue robes, red sash, and the order of the garter collar and pendant. The work is after Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) who painted the Duke (now part of the UK Government Art Collection in London. The Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry and the third most prestigious honour (inferior only to the Victoria Cross and George Cross) in England and the United Kingdom. Collars made immediately after the Restoration are of gold & enamel & include twenty-four Tudor Roses and “knots”; typically, collars made prior to the Restoration are comprised of twenty-one roses & knots.

As per the old sale stencil on verso (849LL) the painting was sold on 13th December 1957 at Christies London (lot 75). Described as “PORTRAIT OF A NOBLEMAN, wearing the chain of the Order of the Garter, In a painted oval”.

James Graham, 1st Duke of Montrose (1682-1742) was a landowner and politician, and Secretary of State for Scotland (1714-16). Originally the fourth Marquess of Montrose, James was elevated to a dukedom in 1707, as a reward for his important support of the Act of Union, whilst being Lord President of the Scottish Privy Council. He was Lord High Admiral of Scotland from 1705 to 1706. He was Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland from 1709 to 1713 and served as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1716 to 1733. He was also a Lord of the Regency for Great Britain in 1714.

Held in an excellent condition frame.

Provenance: UK private collection

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