The Sheldon Master (Active in England, late 16th century), Portrait of King Edward VI (1537-1553). Photo Sotheby's

later inscribed upper left with the identity of the sitter; oil on panel, with an arched top; 84.5 by 54.5 cm.; 33¼ by 21½ in. Estimation 30,000-50,000 GBP. Unsold 

PROVENANCE: Commissioned by Ralph Sheldon (1537-1613) of Weston;
By family descent to his great-great-great-grandson William Sheldon (d. 1780) of Weston Park, Long Compton,
Warwickshire;
Weston Park sale, Christie and Ansell, 3 September 1781;
Mr and Mrs E.J. de Tracy-Kelly, Audley House School, Chesterton, Oxfordshire;Audley House School sale, Mallams, 5 April 1995;
With Historical Portraits, from whom aquired by the present owner.

LITTERATURE: P. Toynbee, 'Horace Walpole's Journal of Visits to Country Seats', Walpole Society, vol. XVI, London 1928, p. 62;
Vertue Notebooks, vol. I;V, Walpole Society, vol. XXIV, London 1936, p. 140.

NOTE: This painting was commissioned by Ralph Sheldon as part of a series of portraits of English monarchs for the Long Gallery at Weston Hall, in Warwickshire. A successful tapestry manufacturer, Sheldon's name has traditionally been associated with the distinct hand of the unknown artist who produced these works, in recognition of his patronage.
Other known examples from the series include a portrait of Cardinal Wolsey (National Portrait Gallery, London), and a Portrait of King Richard III in the Berger Collection (Denver Art Museum).

Sotheby's. Old Master & British Paintings Day Sale. Londres | 05 juil. 2012 www.sothebys.com