To the bottom left the numeral '4' (probably an old inventory number). Upper left, faintly visible, another Robinson armorial bearing, painted over.
Before buying Rokeby from Sir Thomas Rokeby in 1610 the Robinsons lived for generations at the White Hall, Kendal. Rokeby Park (which is actually just across the Yorkshire border in County Durham) was rebuilt in the 18th c. as a Palladian mansion.
In the 19th c. Sir Walter Scott wrote his epic ballad 'Rokeby' there.
THOMAS ROBINSON was born in 1590, son of William and Mary Robinson (daughter of Thomas Hill of Thornton, Yorks). He had a brother John (who became Vicar of Burminster, Yorks) and a sister Catherine (who married firstly Percival Philips and secondly Richard Smith).
Thomas married at Rokeby in 1621, his wife was Francis, daughter of Leonard Smelt of Kirkby Fleetham, Yorks; they had eight children.
Thomas was a barrister and in the Civil War he supported Parliament, believing right was on their side.
At his own expense he raised the Private Parliamentary Army; in June 1643 he was killed by the Royalists in a skirmish at Leeds. Presumably this was in the build-up to the Battle of Adwalton Moor near Leeds on June 30 when the Earl of Newcastle's army smashed the Parliamentary forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax.
SIZE: 36.5 x 31.75 inches inc. frame
CONDITION:In good uncleaned 'country house condition' with a soft, mellow colour caused by the slight yellowing of the old varnish. Old relining, some small areas of old retouching to forehead and the left of the breastplate. Moderate craqueleure.
PROVENANCE: by descent through the family
VERSO: old label 'John Perfect Esq, Bovevagh, Great Missenden, Bucks'.
Height: 36.5 in. (92.71 cm)
Width: 31.75 in. (80.64 cm)
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
Sold....portrait of Thomas Robinson; 17th C. English School
