This remarkable early 17th-century three-quarter length English School portrait depicts Alderman Edward Hill of The Charterhouse, Coventry, holding a pair of leather gloves. The original gloves are included with the sale.
Wearing his prestigious red, fur-lined robes - a hallmark of an Alderman’s attire - he conveys both presence and character. He’s evidently a man of significant local repute, as aldermen were high-ranking officials, second only to the Mayor.
His gloves are an integral part of his ensemble and again designed to communicate his status. These were often crafted in fine doeskin or similar and worn in a hat or attached to a belt.
Edward Hill purchased The Charterhouse, which is a 14th-century monastic building, in 1611 and a label on the reverse provides further information. Edward left it to his nephew, also Edward Hill, son of his brother Robert Hill, who, in turn, passed it to his daughter, Alice, who was married to Henry Inge, a gentleman. The label refers to Alice Inge (nee Hill) as the present owner.
The skull in the lower right is an interesting, rather Baroque, addition and acts as a Memento Mori. A reminder of man’s mortality.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 38” x 46½” / 96cm x 118cm
Year of creation: c. 1611
Labels & Inscriptions: Separate label, previously attached to reverse, with inscription relating to the sitter and provenance.
Provenance: Presumably with Edward Hill (c.1611) and thence by family descent.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher marks. Craquelure throughout. Areas of retouching. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2080
