Hugh Latimer, English School Antique Oil on Mahogany Panel

An antique oil on mahogany panel painting of Hugh Latimer (ca. 1487-1555), the Bishop of Worcester, probably 19th century. Latimer is depicted in 3/4 profile facing right, the half-length view showing his ecclesiastical garments: a black chimere, or sleeveless gown; a white rochet, a knee-length tunic similar to a surplice; and a black Canterbury cap. Latimer is considered one of the three Oxford Martyrs who were executed for heresy during the reign of Queen Mary I.

The oil painting exhibits expected age-related wear including heavy craquelure. There is no visible artist's signature or monogram under the rich patina. The beveled mahogany panel verso bears two original labels, the first that of a London art dealer, art supplier, and art restorer; and the second a pen-inscribed label reading "Small half-length painting of Bishop Latimer." The London art dealer, George Bassett, was listed in ca. 1860-1870 London post office directories as being a gilder and carver. Here, his business label reads in part: "Geo. Bassett, / Dealer in Paintings, Marbles, Bronzes, and / Articles of Vertu, / & Picture-Frame Maker, No. 12, Bear Street, / Leicester Square, London / Old paintings cleaned, lined, & restored - paintings / bought or sold on commission." The gilt frame shows some isolated loss to the edges and corners. Not examined out of the frame. Overall size: 7.25" x 8.45" x 1."

The simple portrait of Hugh Latimer resembles numerous line engravings, stipple engravings, and mezzotints produced in the eighteenth century, most notably the 1715 line engraving after George Vertue (see the attached catalogue photo included just for reference.) Mahogany, a type of diffuse-porous tropical hardwood typically exported from the West Indies or Central America, was first used in European panel paintings in the seventeenth century. It enjoyed a resurgence of popularity among nineteenth-century European artists.

Hugh Latimer was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1515. He survived the transition from Catholicism to Anglicanism, being appointed Bishop of Worcester in 1535. He served as Anglican chaplain to King Edward VI. Yet Latimer's inclinations towards church reform, including the belief that the Bible should be translated into English, alienated arch conservatives. For this and other unorthodox ideas, Latimer was tried and convicted of heresy. Nicholas Ridley (1500-1555), Bishop of London and Westminster, and Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), Archbishop of Canterbury, were also burnt at the stake during the Marian persecution. Together, Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer are known as the Oxford Martyrs.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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