17th century Portraits of Horological Interest

This pair of mid 17thc. portraits is of great horological interest, with the lady holding a fine silver watch of the period.

The subjects are Stephen Monins (also Moninys), who was Mayor of Dover and his wife Mary Hales. Each is painted with their coat of arms. The watch and key are painted in a prominent central position, to reflect the wealth and sophistication of the sitters.

Stephen Monins was Mayor of Dover on several occasions between 1627 and 1637. In 1627 took part in the unsuccessful expedition to relieve Protestant Huguenots at La Rochelle, led by George Villiers, 1^st Duke of Buckingham.

Stephen was born in 1575 and died in 1656. He is buried at Lydden, Kent. His wife Mary, also born in 1575 died in 1665. She had at least 10 children.

The sitters can be identified by the arms painted with each portrait. This is of the Hales of Thannington, near Canterbury.

The paintings are in reasonable condition for their age. The varnish is dirty and there is some discoloured restoration. The frames have a little loss to the paint, mainly to the gilt inner.

These are large and heavy pictures, so buyer to collect from Dorset or arrange specialist packing and delivery.