Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) made a striking appearance at a local auction house, albeit in the form of a sixteenth century miniature portrait.
The 6cm high oval portrait miniature of our iconic monarch had been brought into Richard Winterton’s routine valuation day by a local client.
The Queen is depicted in her famous attire painted in watercolour in intricate detail. Although unsigned, experts at the auctioneers attributed it to possibly be the work of the famous miniature portraitist Nicholas Hilliard (1547-c.1619). Entered into the 27th May Fine Art Sale in Lichfield, the iconic miniature generated huge interest from parties all over the world. Associate Adrian Rathbone comments:
‘We had pre-sale enquires from clients all over the world due to the internet coverage. The live bidding facilities we offer enabled these potential buyers to participate in the auction in real time….an important feature in today’s market’.
Lot 201, essentially a museum piece was contested to £4,800, won by a UK buyer on the phone who outbid two other phone and numerous internet bidders. The delighted vendor had incorrectly been advised some years ago by another party that it was a nineteenth century copy.
In the same sale Lot 11, an Edwardian mahogany bracket clock discovered in Lichfield sold for £3,000 and Lot 18, a watercolour by William Hoggatt (1880-1961) sold for £2,900. Lot 206, a Chinese pale jade belt hook discovered languishing in a Tamworth property brought £2,100.
The next Fine Art Sale is 22nd July and entries are currently being invited. Phone Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further information on 01543 251081 or email [email protected].
www.richardwinterton.co.uk