Robert
Catesby- the Sion House Portrait
This
image is the source of some discussion. The main point of dissagreement
is the age
of
the person depicted. Catesby never lived to be that old. The painting does
need cleaning.
But
also, there was a style of painting individuals slightly older to provide
them with an aura
of
the "gifts of older age". Additionally the person could have been depicted
as an older
person
or as another person- for example catesby as Homer or a god etc... Perhaps
we
will
never know but it would be a place for a researcher to visit!
About the Image:
Artist Unknown- Tag Reads: Robert
Catesby, 1573-1605 Dutch School
It is to be seen at Sion House,
outside of London. -According to Archivist Clare Baxter the Provenance
of the Painting is as follows: "Traditionally known as a portrait of Robert
Catesby" Came from the Catesby Family to The Ashby family of Northamptonshire
Was given to the 6th Duke by an A. MacNamara of Caddington Harts. Image
available in Black and White from The Courtuld Institute inventory (Thanks
to Stephen Blease for the photo!!!)
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