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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