Studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) Portrait of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722), in armour and ermine, holding a baton Inscribed l.r., oil on canvas 125 x 100cm Provenance: Cheffins, Grain and Chalk, Cambridge, The contents of Badmondisfield Hall, Wickhambrook, Suffolk, 11 February 1983, Lot 80; Wood Hall, Arkesden, Essex. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The reverse of the lining canvas has mould growth. There is a stencilled inscription which is likely to be copied from the back of the original canvas before it was lined. Minor undulations at right side, tension good and picture is in plane. Paint layer is generally stable overall. Varnish is very yellowed but glossy and even, dust and surface accretions. Frame has metallic paint but no losses to the gilding.