Circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Portrait of Princess Mary, three quarter length, when Mary of York, as Diana, oil on canvas, 90 x 73cm

Notes: There are a number of versions of this portrait with the two most notable held in the Hampton Court Collection of 'Beauties' and the National Trust house Lytes Cary Manor. The Windsor Beauties were the ladies of the court of Charles II and Princess Mary, his niece, was a prominent figure. The future Queen Mary II of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1662-1694 (co-reigning with her husband King William) she is depicted in this portrait as Diana, the Goddess of Hunting, whose celestial attributes were understood to be principally inaccessibility, virginity and purity.

Condition Report

This oil on canvas has been relined.
The paint surface is stable with areas of heavily ingrained dirt.
There is a small loss of paint top left and many areas of paint loss to the edges of the canvas.
Under UV there are spots of overpainting throughout the image but to no more than 5% of the paint surface.
There are no holes or tears to the canvas.
There is a gilt composite slip frame with multiple losses as seen in the images.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.