Royal portrait for a princely sum

A PORTRAIT of Edward VIII as a boy is the most expensive lot on offer in Mullen's art sale on Monday evening

A PORTRAIT of Edward VIII as a boy is the most expensive lot on offer in Mullen's art sale on Monday evening. Joseph Finnemore's watercolour portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales is estimated to fetch £7,000 - £10,000. Finnemore made the sketch at Buckingham Palace in 1912, before embarking on a full-length portrait of Edward, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1913. The sketch is signed by both the artist and the sitter, and was in the Duke of Windsor's collection until it was given to the vendor's father.

Otherwise, the sale includes a terrific mix of styles from romantic English landscapes and American sea scapes to 19th century desert scenes, from horse pictures to portraits in oils. Estimates range from a couple of hundred pounds for drawings and watercolours to several thousands for more serious works, such as a strong religious work, The Risen Christ with Angels Attendant, by the 17th century Venetian artist Antonio Molinaris. (£3,000-£4,000).

One of the most attractive pictures in the sale is John Hargrave's striking portrait, The Girl from the West, which is so colourful and alive that you can almost hear the wind whistle past. (£2,000-£3,000).