Charles I in the Hunting-Field, with Lord Hamilton

Born in Ireland, Charles Jervas studied under Sir Godfrey Kneller in 1694-95 before spending a decade working in Italy. On his return to London in 1709, he became one of the most sought-after and fashionable painters of the early eighteenth century, taking over from Kneller as the principle painter to George I in 1723. He was a great friend of Alexander Pope, who encouraged him to broaden his horizons, writing on 29 November 1716, 'I long to see you a History Painter. You have already done enough for the Private, do something for the Publick.' (see M. Kirby Tallery, 'Extracts from Charles Jervas's 'Sale Catalogues' (1739): An Account of Eighteenth-Century Painting Materials and Equipment', The Burlington Magazine, vol. 120, no. 898, January 1978, p. 7.). He was well-placed to become a history painter, thanks to the experience he garnered in Italy and to his prolific work as a copyist. Jervas, indeed, made numerous copies after Van Dyck, with a great number being sold at his studio sale in 1740; the sale was a test of endurance, lasting for thirty-four days. The present lot takes after one of Van Dyck's most iconic portraits of Charles, painted circa 1636 and now in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. Another copy by Jervas of this same subject is recorded at the Treasurer's House in York.