Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841) - Count John of Nassau-Siegen and his family

The drawing we have for sale is after Van Dyck's painting 'Count John of Nassau-Siegen and his Family' which is in Firle Place's collection in Sussex. It was painted in Brussels by Van Dyck in 1634 and was a significant commission for the artist. Count John (1583-1638) was a general in the service of the Spanish Netherlands and was a leading figure in the court of the Archduchess in Brussels when Van Dyck visited. Count John is wearing the Golden Fleece which he received for his services in the Spanish Empire and is joined by his wife Ernestina Yolanda (1594-1668) and their four children. The original oil painting has been in the Cowper family since the 18th century and Wilkie most likely would have viewed it at Firle Place.
 
Medium: pen and ink with sepia washes, 10.6 x 11.1 cm, framed. Note, the mount has an inscription on the right hand side as shown in the photographs.
 
Provenance: Thos Agnew & Sons (stock number: 25730); Thillywally Gallery; past Christie's Auction (unknown date but the back of the frame includes a catalogue cutting and there are white chalk inscriptions linking it to Christie's).