Lot Essay
The subject is Charles Powlett or Pawlet (c.1630-1699), son of the 5th Marquess of Winchester. Having taken an active part in setting William and Mary on the throne, he was created Duke of Bolton in 1689. He had escaped persecution under James II by appearing mad; Bishop Burnet wrote of him that 'he had the spleen to a high degree and affected an extravagant behaviour; for many weeks he would not open his mouth till such an hour of the day when he thought the air was pure. He changed day into night, and often hunted by torch-light, and took all sorts of liberties to himself, many of which were very disagreeable to those about him'.