Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
We have sold a number of portraits of this sitter, one in particular, also 17th century, was almost identical. Only when the two images are side by side is one aware of the little differences in the copyist's work.
Painted in the 17th or early 18th century this portrait is in the manner of Clouet in the 1560s. There are several portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots by him which are very similar both in technique and the appearance of the sitter. It is likely that the portrait was painted in the 17th century when the Stuarts, Mary's descendants, were on the throne and Mary's image was revamped from traitor to martyr. Mary had been called an adulteress and traitor by the English and was beheaded for plotting to assassinate her cousin Elizabeth I, but under the Stuarts she was presented as a beautiful and religious princess unjustly executed for her Catholic faith.
FRANCOIS CLOUET (c. 1510 – 22 December 1572), son of Jean Clouet, was a French Renaissance miniaturist and painter, particularly known for his detailed portraits of the French ruling family. His work is remarkable for the elaborate finish of all the details, the extreme accuracy of the drawing, and the exquisite completeness of the whole portrait.
SIZE: 16.5 x 14.25 x 2 inches including the frame.
PROVENANCE: English Private Collection.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots; Manner of Francois Clouet.
