English School, 17th century portrait of a lady, possibly Lucretia Gray, wife of Edward Sealy of Bridgwater, in an 18th century or earlier giltwood frame with relief carved oak leaves and acorns, grapes and roses. The half length, three quarter view oil on canvas portrait depicts a woman with dark upswept hair and dark eyes, wearing a dangling pearl earring, dark red gown with white ruffle and blouson sleeves, gilt brocade bodice, and royal blue wrap. Jeweled pins accent the bodice and sleeve. Unsigned. Handwritten note en verso reads, "Supposed to be Lucretia Gray, Wife of Edward Sealy, Born 1606 Died 1663/4). Sight - 29" H x 24" W. Framed - 39" H x 34" W. Frame possibly Continental. Note: Lucretia Gray (b. 1606) was a descendant of H.R.H John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, third son of King Edward III. She married Edward Sealy, magistrate and mayor of Bridgewater in the mid 1600s. (Source: http://bridgwaterheritage.co.uk/ ). Provenance: the estate of Dr. John M. Tudor, Nashville, Tennessee.

Relined. UV light shows considerable restoration to facial area and parts of background. Scattered craquelure. 3" area of bloom upper right quadrant, background. 3" area of alligatoring and a 3" light colored line (possible abrasion) both in background of upper left quadrant. Frame is early with scattered losses to carved elements and abrasions, likely regilt.