October 17, 2025: Fine & Decorative Arts - Day Two
Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc. info@jeffreysevans.com
Price | Bid Increment |
---|---|
$0 | $10 |
$200 | $25 |
$500 | $50 |
$1,000 | $100 |
$3,000 | $250 |
$5,000 | $500 |
$10,000 | $1,000 |
$30,000 | $2,500 |
$50,000 | $5,000 |
$100,000 | $10,000 |
BRITISH SCHOOL (18TH CENTURY) PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN, oil on canvas, a waist-length depiction of a figure in black doublet and elaborate white lace collar, possibly an early copy of the Cobbe portrait (c.1610) of a Jacobean gentleman believed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and others to depict the iconic poet and playwright, William Shakespeare (1564-1616), no signature located. Housed in a period carved giltwood frame. 29" x 24" sight, 37 1/4" x 32 1/4" OA.
Catalogue Note: The present portrait is quite possibly an 18th-century copy of what is considered to be one of two known portraits of William Shakespeare painted in his lifetime. Referred to as the Cobbe portrait for the Irish family in which it descended, the original work was reportedly commissioned by the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare's patron, around 1610 and depicts the poet in the latter stages of his career sporting the latest Jacobean attire. Several copies of the Cobbe portrait exist, including a period example executed on panel at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a 19th-century example at the J. P Morgan Library in New York City. Given the scarcity of any visual record and the scant biographical information that survives regarding William Shakespeare, it is no surprise that there is scholarly debate surrounding the Cobbe portrait sitter's identity. Indeed, there are several scholars who argue that the subject is, in fact, not Shakespeare but one Sir Thomas Overbury, a poet and political advisor connected with the court of King James, who was eventually imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he died after six months, likely as the result of foul play directed by the King and/or his advisers. Regardless of the debate surrounding the sitter's identity, the present portrait appears to be connected to the Cobbe group and warrants further study. Research is ongoing.
Good overall visual condition with minor to moderate discoloration, conserved with evidence of minor old inpainting to figure and background under a heavy varnish. Frame with moderate wear.
Available payment options
***Shipping:
Effective March 1, 2024 In-house shipping is no longer available with Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (JSEA). Shipping of all lots is through one of two local UPS stores with whom we have successfully worked with in the past. Buyers will receive a shipping form to fill out and return to the UPS store. As a courtesy to our clientele, once the invoice is paid, JSEA will arrange transport and make delivery to each respective store at no extra charge. Once the items ship, buyers will receive a paid shipping invoice and tracking number.
For “No ship” lots requiring a third-party shipper, e.g. furniture, please see our list of recommendations.
Once a third party shipper has been determined, please email info@jeffreysevans.com with your preferences to ensure all paperwork is in order.
Any paid invoice with outstanding fees will be subject to the storage fees listed below. The grace period begins once the buyer is notified of shipping charges.
Due to excessive fraud, purchases can only be shipped to the billing address on the credit card used for payment. If you wish to have your purchases shipped to an alternate address, you must contact the front office to review and possibly approve the change.
***Pick Up: 2177 Green Valley Lane, Mount Crawford, VA
We are required by law to collect Virginia State Sales Tax and Nexus Tax where applicable. If you are exempt please read below.
If you are tax exempt, a copy of the sales and use certificate from your state must be presented and placed on file before the tax is removed from the invoice.
Sales Tax Information may be found on the Virginia Department of Taxation website.
Contact the office at 540-434-3939 or email info@jeffreysevans.com to make an appointment if you plan to pick up your winnings. We will have your items ready to collect at your scheduled appointment time. All pick-ups must be scheduled at least twenty-four hours in advance.
Pick-up hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm ET.
** Storage Fee Information
Items won must be picked up within (2) weeks after the date of the auction. Any items not picked up within (2) weeks of the sale are subject to an additional storage fee. Any paid invoice with outstanding fees will be subject to the storage fees listed below. The grace period begins once the buyer is notified of shipping charges.
After 35 days, there will be a storage fee implemented, of $10 per day, per large item e.g. furniture, and $5 per day, per small item.
Any items that have not been picked up within thirty(30) days of the sale will be considered abandoned and become property of Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates.
Accounts unpaid after twenty five (25) days of the sale will be subject to a 5% monthly finance charge. Administrative fees may apply.