An Unknown Man

British (English) School. Oil painting on canvas, An Unknown Man, British (English) School, late 18th century. A half-length portrait of a gentleman, his body facing the viewer, his head turned to the left, wearing a dark green coat and white cravat. He holds a manuscript in his left hand, on which is written Anno Primo/ GULIELMI & MARIAE/ Declaring the rights.... which he rests on a book, title on the spine: LAWS OF EVID[ENCES]/ William and Mary accepted the Declaration of Rights before being proclaimed Soveriegns in 1689. There is no know reason why a portrait of a gentleman with the Bill of Rights should be at Cragside, except that he must have been a lawyer. To the left appears a cloudy sky and to the right a fluted pillar. Cragside, Northumberland (Accredited Museum)