Sir Thomas Jeffreys
studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 - London 1723)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1686 - 1687
Materials
Oil on canvas in a wood frame
Measurements
2387 x 1448 mm (94 x 57 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1151315
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Sir Thomas Jeffreys by Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 - London 1723), formerly attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691), 1686-87. A full-length portrait of the elder brother of George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys. He was knighted in 1686 and lived in Alicante, Spain. He is standing to the left, wearing the robes of the Order of Alcantra. His left hand on his sword hilt , his hat on a table, with white cloth and gold fringe, at the left.
Provenance
Given by Philip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973. Bought from Acton Park, Wrexham, according to L. M. Yorke, when house sold in late 18th century; in undated early 19th century (circa 1820 at time of house picture cleaning) Erddig inventory as "Sir Thos: Jeffories Do: [Riley]and thence by descent; given by Philip Yorke III (1905 – 1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973
Credit line
Erddig, The Yorke Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
Recto: In black on frame : 'Sir Thomas [ correction on stuck-on papper] Jeffreys, Knight of the Order of Calatravas'. [ditto]
Makers and roles
studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646 - London 1723), artist previously catalogued as attributed to John Riley (London 1646 – London 1691), artist
References
Steegman 1957 John Steegman, A Survey of Portraits in Welsh Houses, Vol.I: North Wales, Cardiff, 1957, p.97. "PORTRAITS IN ERDDIG, WREXHAM. ADDITIONAL PORTRAITS. 32. SIR THOMAS JEFFREYS. E. brother or preceding; English consul at Madrid and Alcante, where he lived the greater part of his life; knighted by James II at Windsor, 1686. Attributed to John Riley, c.1686. WL, life-size, standing to l.; wearing robe of a Knight of Alcantara over black and gold suit; his hat on table on l." Keeton 1965 G. W. Keeton, Lord Chancellor Jeffreys 1965, pp. 512 & pl. 10 Stewart 1983 J. Douglas Stewart, Sir Godfrey Kneller, Oxford, 1983, p. 112, No. 395