Lot 389: Nicholas Dixon (London circa 1645 - circa 1708)

Nicholas Dixon (London circa 1645 - circa 1708)
Portrait of King Charles II, bust-length, in lace steinkirk and wearing the sash of The Order of the Garter
with inscription 'Charles II/by Nicholas Dixon/(painted circa 1670 or a little earlier) Mr Richard G... the Librarian of the Duke of Portland at Welbeck & the noted authority /on the works of Nicholas Dixon pronounces/this to be an indisputable work./Painted on a thick sheet of vellum/laid down on cardboard.' (on the reverse) and numbered 'Nυo 12' (on the reverse)
pencil, watercolour and bodycolour, heightened with touches of gold, on vellum
10½ x 8½ in. (26.7 x 21.5 cm.)

James Thursby-Pelham and by descent to the present owner.

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Little is known about Dixon, he worked in miniature and later specialised in watercolour copies on vellum after the Old Masters, the present work being executed after the painting by Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680). He was possibly a pupil of Samuel Cooper (circa 1608-1672), whom he succeeded as Royal Limner in 1673. He was also Keeper of the King's Picture Closet.