English School, 17th century Portrait of Edward, 1st Earl of Gainsborough (1641-1689) Inscribed 'Edward / 1st Earl / of Gainsbo / rough' u.l., oil on canvas, in a painted feigned oval 74 x 56cm Provenance: Harpley Hall, Norfolk (now sadly demolished); Cheffins, 23 March 2011, Lot 529; Wood Hall, Arkesden, Essex. Edward Noel represented Rutland in the House of Commons of England from 1661 to 1679. He was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Rutland in March 1670. In 1676, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire in February, and Warden and Keeper of the New Forest in March. He succeeded his father in October as Viscount Campden and as Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Rutland, and was further honoured at the end of the year when he was created Earl of Gainsborough on 1 December 1682. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The paint layer has suffered from extensive damage in the past. There are some raised edges following the age cracks. The surface texture is uneven with areas of fill. There is extensive retouching across the surface, in the darker background this is less obvious than in the face. The varnish is clear and semi-glossy with a slight bloom in areas. The gilded surface of the frame has numerous chips and losses and has been covered in metallic paint.