Sir Godfrey Kneller (German/British, 1646-1723)
Study for the Head of an Old Man

signed 'G Kneller' (lower left)
pencil and chalk on paper
Unframed: 19.8 x 14.8 cm. (7 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.) Framed: 37.5 x 30.5 cm. (14 3/4 x 12 in.)

Sale; Sotheby's, London, 24 April 1986, lot 294
Where purchased by a private collector, UK
By whom gifted to the present owner

A similar composition is held by Städel Museum, Frankfurt (inventory number 3885).

Kneller studied under Ferdinand Bol and most likely Rembrandt. He spent the years 1672 to 1675 in Rome and Venice, painting portraits of members of the Venetian nobility, before moving to England in 1676. There, he established a thriving studio that produced replicas and copies of his work. Following an introduction to the Duke of Monmouth, he secured sittings with the King and began his career as a court artist, building a strong reputation as a portrait painter in the grand style.

References:

1. Stewart, J.D. and National Portrait Gallery, Sir Godfrey Kneller; catalogue of an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London, London, 1971.