Lot 26: WILLEM KEY | Portrait of a gentleman, said to be 'Perari di Cremona', half-length, wearing a high-collared black coat with white cuffs and collar, holding a pair of gloves, standing before a green curtain

oil on oak panel

89.8 by 64 cm.; 35 3/8  by 25 1/4  in.

oil on oak panel

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Structural Condition The artist's oak panel has two repaired vertical joins or splits which are each supported with five butterfly inserts. These two lines are approximately 23.5 cm from the left vertical edge and 29 cm from the right vertical edge, as viewed from the reverse. The overall structural condition appears to now be generally secure, although the right hand join or split appears very slightly open in places. Paint surface The paint surface has a rather dull, matt varnish layer and could be revarnished to give the surface more depth and contrast and to ensure a more even surface coating. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows what appear to be quite recent retouchings along the two vertical splits or joins, small dots on the sitter's face and far larger and more extensive retouchings in the upper left of the background with other retouchings in the costume. There may well be earlier retouchings beneath opaque varnish layers that are not identifiable under ultraviolet light. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in reasonably good condition and should be enhanced by revarnishing.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

R. Gibson, Catalogue of Portraits in the Collection of the Earl of Clarendon, London 1977, p. 104, no. 114, reproduced;
K. Jonckheere, Willem Key (1516–1568): Portrait of a Humanist Painter, Turnhout 2011, pp. 74–75, no. A15, reproduced.

Possibly acquired by Edward Hyde (1609–1674), 1st Earl of Clarendon (according to Gibson, see under Literature);
Possibly Lord Hyde, by 1750, when recorded in his inventory as 'Gentleman, on panel';
Thence by descent until sold, London, Sotheby's, 5 July, 2007, lot 125 (as Jorge de la Rúa).