Portrait of the artist seated three-quarter length, holding a folio resting on a stone pedestal, beside an easel oil on canvas laid on board 123 x 90cm

Provenance: Christie's, London, 28th October 1998, lot 260

The sitter is wearing the medal of Frederick, King of Sweden given to him by Frederick I whilst he was in Stockholm in 1730-31, prior to his departure for Vienna. The prime original of this portrait by van Meytens (inv. no. NMGrh 1936) is now in the Nationalmuseum in Sweden.

Framed 151 x 120.5cm The painting is executed in oil on a canvas support which has been laid onto a large sheet of hardboard. The hardboard support has an elaborate cradle devise on the reverse to keep the painting in plane. The paint layers are in a good, stable condition overall. There are areas of overpaint across the surface, some of which have slightly darkened, but are generally well matched to the original. The varnish layer is even, glossy and slightly yellowed. There is a layer of surface dirt present and a few scuffs and scratches.