Portrait of a Gentleman c.1685; Circle of John Riley.
By Roy Precious From United Kingdom
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Oil on canvas in 18th century giltwood frame.
The sitter wears a fashionable and expensive Indian silk draped over his shoulder, these were so costly that Samuel Pepys hired his when he had his portrait painted. He also wears a large and very expensive wig; the expression 'bigwig' for a rich or important person comes from this fashion.
JOHN RILEY, or Ryley, (1646 – March 1691) was an English portrait painter. He painted portraits of Charles II and James II, and was Court Painter to William III and Mary II. One of his pupils was Jonathan Richardson.
Riley was born in London, one of the sons of William Riley or Ryley, Lancaster Herald and Keeper of the Records in the Tower of London, who was created Norroy king-at-arms under the Commonwealth, but reverted to his herald's office at the Restoration.
Riley studied painting under Isaac Fuller and Gerard Soest, and from the latter learnt a forcible, straightforward style of portraiture which rendered his portraits noteworthy.
Riley did not attain much eminence until the death of Sir Peter Lely, when courtier and royal official Thomas Chiffinch sat for him, and was so much pleased with his portrait that he showed it to the king. Charles II gave Riley some commissions, and eventually himself sat for him. During one sitting he is said to have remarked to Riley, "Is this like me? Then oddsfish I'm an ugly fellow". Riley also painted James II and his queen, and, on the accession of William and Mary, he was appointed Court Painter.
Riley was said to be a quiet, modest man, very diffident of his own art, but his portraits are truthful and lifelike. With more self-confidence he might have attained to the position of Lely or Kneller. He was assisted in painting his draperies and accessories by John Closterman, who finished several of Riley's pictures after his death.
Riley, who suffered very much from gout, died in March 1691, and was buried in the church of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate.
SIZE:36 x 31.25 inches.
PROVENANCE: Collection of a Lady, Northumberland.
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Roy Precious
United Kingdom
We specialise in portraits from the 16th to the early 20th century, we also stock some 17th and 18th century ship paintings, furniture of the 17th and 18th centuries, and other artefacts dating from 200 B.C. to the 20th century.We have sold to many important collections including The Historic Royal Palaces collection and The Yale Center for British Art. Viewing is by appointment, or an arrangement can be made for the item to be brought to your home for inspection.