Circle of Raphael, 'Portrait of Giuliano de Medici'

From a private Norfolk country house collection, we have this magnificent portrait depicting Giuliano de Medici, brother of Pope Leo X and son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. The question tantalising scholars and collectors alike is whether this could be a lost work by Raphael - or perhaps the hand of his studio. 

Art Historian Professor Tom Henry, a leading expert on Raphael, certainly believes this to be the case as the painting bears all the hallmarks of the master's hand. Henry has written extensively about this in our catalogue. Technical analysis dates the work to the early 16th century, aligning with Raphael's Florentine period. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds a similar version, further fuelling the debate. Whether by Raphael or one of his close followers, this portrait is a work of rare refinement.

Attributed to Thomas Bardwell, 'Ned Baldry's Shell Horse in a Landscape'

Also from this private collection Norfolk collection, we have this rare and charming painting titled Ned Baldry's Shell Horse in a Landscape attributed to Thomas Bardwell, the celebrated country house artist. Brandon recalls first encountering this work two decades ago in a dusty Norfolk sale and being immediately struck by the scale, character and almost humanlike expression of the horse. 

The work comes from the Suckling Family of Woodton Hall. It was here that Edward Baldry (1705-1759) took on an apprenticeship in the stables at the age of thirteen, eventually rising to the role of huntsman of the Woodton Hunt. In Deer Hunting in Norfolk (1910) Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Harvey writes of Baldry and his shell horse, noting that it "grew up a splendid animal under Ned Baldry's able tuition and was kept for his sole riding." Upon the death of Denzil Suckling in 1747, he bequeathed Baldry "his fine pack of hounds and the old 'shelled horse', and ample funds for their maintenance." 

As an East Anglian native, Thomas Bardwell undertook several commissions from the Suckling family. He was known for his portraits, interiors and topographical views which perfectly captured the rustic charm of English country life. Dreweatts set a world record for Bardwell earlier this year with the sale of Four Views of Adlington Park for £150,000 - a testament to his growing recognition among collectors.

Sebastian Vrancx and Studio, 'Allegory of Spring'

As the winter evenings draw in, we turn our thoughts to the promise of spring with this glorious celebration of the season, Allegory of Spring by the Flemish painter Sebastian Vrancx. 

Inspired by the great Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Vrancx painted representations of 'The Four Seasons', a subject that was highly sought after and commercially successful. This work is, in fact, one of four paintings that Vrancx reproduced several times, often with the assistance of his studio, as is the case here. ⁠The series, including this painting with the other three, focuses particularly on the abundant display of food and seasonal objects. The canvas bursts with vitality - a meticulous composition teeming with flowers, fruits, and food⁠. In the midst of this abundance, a cook, gardeners, and a laundress go about their daily chores, while an inquisitive dog observes the lively scene. It is a joyous meditation on renewal and domestic life, filled with warmth.

Frans Francken the Younger, 'Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee'

Another Flemish work is this intricate work by Frans Francken the Younger depicting Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee. The artist masterfully divides the composition between two realms - the earthbound and the divine. Below, the richly appointed interior overflows with objects and detail; above, a celestial vision unfolds, filled with angels and cherubs. The detail is so fine that you can even see the tears of the sinner at the feet of Christ. Owing to this distinctive quality in his work, Francken's paintings were highly sought after and went on to inspire later artists such as Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens.

Long considered a painting by Frans Francken the Elder, this remarkable discovery is now recognised as a fine example of the work of Frans Francken the Younger. Hidden from public view for more than 250 years, it is listed in the 1777 inventory of goods from Kings Weston House, where it was located in Lady Clifford's Dressing Room. According to the inventory, it was displayed alongside works attributed to Claude Lorrain, Paul Bril, Cornelis van Poelenburch, and Godfrey Kneller.

Thomas Hudson, 'Portrait of Albinia Bertie as a Young Girl'

Finally, we wanted to take a look at this wonderful portrait by Thomas Hudson. It is one of the finest examples of Hudson's works ever offered by Dreweatts and is an exceptional example of English Rococo portraiture. The portrait is enhanced by its original Rococo frame, whose delicate leaf motifs echo the sylvan background of the composition. The sitter, a young Albinia Bertie, granddaughter of the Duke of Ancaster, exudes grace and elegance.

Albinia Bertie proved to be one of the most vivid characters of the eighteenth century. Born into a noble family descended from King Edward III, she married George Hobart, later 3rd Earl of Buckinghamshire, and the young couple made their home at Nocton Hall, Lincolnshire. Albinia became a celebrated society hostess, admired for her fashion sense and love of dancing, as well as a spirited political campaigner and notorious high-stakes gambler. She embodied the elegance and daring of Georgian high society. Her reputation however, also attracted caricaturists Rowlandson and Gillray, who unkindly dubbed her the “spangled pudding.” Hudson’s portrait, however, captures her as a dignified character - poised, radiant, and unmistakably of her time.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 4 November 2025, 10.30am GMT
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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Viewing in London (Highlights):
Dreweatts, 16-17 Pall Mall, St James’s, London SW1Y 5LU
Friday 17 - Wednesday 22 October (no weekend viewing)

Viewing in Newbury (Full sale):
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK
Saturday 1 - Monday 3 November

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