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Christie's Private Sale of Elizabeth I Portrait to Be MEDIA ALERT | L O N D O N 2 9 J U L Y 2 0 1 6 CHRISTIE’S PRIVATE SALE OF ELIZABETH I PORTRAIT TO BE ACQUIRED BY ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, English school, c. 1590 London – Christie’s is delighted that the historic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I has been secured for the nation after negotiating a private sale to the Royal Museums Greenwich on behalf of the Tyrwhitt Drake family. The sale of this iconic painting, which represents a key moment from the Golden Age of British history, takes place during Christie’s 250th anniversary year and is the culmination of a national campaign of many months. The painting has been acquired by Royal Museums Greenwich, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, contributions from the Art Fund and over 8,000 public donations. The occasion marks the first time the portrait has been sold in its 425-year history and will enter public ownership. The huge public interest in the campaign demonstrates the historical significance of the work and its continued relevance to the nation. A representative of the Tyrwhitt-Drake family commented: “On behalf of the Tyrwhitt-Drake’s, I am delighted that this exceptional work has been safeguarded for future generations to be admired by all in Royal Museums Greenwich, a public institution where it can be viewed for generations to come. The success of the fundraising campaign, coordinated by The Art Fund, has ensured a rightfully prestigious place for this exceptional painting, which has been passed by descent within our family for generations, having possibly been owned or even commissioned by Sir Francis Drake, one of the great heroes of Elizabeth I’s court. The significance of the work can be seen in the context of our nation’s great history and I would like to thank Christie’s for furthering the relationship with the museum and all partners who have made this possible.” Painted c.1590, the work commemorates the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in 1588, remembered as the most famous conflict of Elizabeth I’s 45-year reign (1558-1603). The inspiration for countless portrayals of Elizabeth I in film and on stage, it is one of the most famous images in British history, capturing a vital moment in the English Renaissance. Unusual for its horizontal format and large size (110.5 x 125 cm), the portrait which has been, since at least 1775, in the collection of the descendants of Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral of the English Fleet at the time of the Spanish Armada, and one of the great heroes of Queen Elizabeth’s court. The acquisition of the work by the Royal Museums Greenwich follows the Christie’s facilitated private sale of Rembrandt’s portraits of Maerten Soolmans and his wife Oopjen Coppit to the French and Dutch states in February 2016. PRESS CONTACTS Belinda Bowring | 020 7389 2677 | [email protected] About Christie’s Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in the first half of 2016 that totalled £2.1 billion / $3 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. 2016 marks Christie’s 250th anniversary. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. 2016 marks Christie’s 250th anniversary. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Click HERE to view a short film about Christie’s and the 250th anniversary. Christie’s has a global presence with offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits. # # # Images available on request FOLLOW CHRISTIE’S ON: .
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