Lot 261: * Circle of John Greenhill (1644?-1676). Portrait

* Circle of John Greenhill (1644?-1676). Portrait of a young girl, oil on canvas half length portrait of a young girl, wearing a gold silk dress with blue silk wrap to shoulders, pearl necklace and earrings, within a faux oval frame, 76 x 63.5cm (30 x 25ins), relined, late 18th or early 19th century ornate carved stained oak frame with floral and foliate moulding. John Greenhill (1644?-1676) was born in Somerset, the son of John Greenhill, registrar of the diocese of Salisbury and Penelope (nee Champneys). His artistic training is unknown, but his first work is believed to have been a portrait of his uncle, James Abbot of Salisbury. He moved to London in 1662 becoming a pupil of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), but soon established his own studio. Greenhill painted a variety of people, especially actors and playwrights, and enjoyed a riotous lifestyle in their company. The famous female playwright and actress Mrs Aphra Behn is known to have been infatuated with him. His career was brought short by drowning in a gutter after becoming intoxicated. Lely subsequently gave an annuity to his widow and young family. (1)