Angelica Kauffman, R.A. 1741-1807

Three-quarter length, seated, wearing a cream and gold dress, holding a dove in her lap

Commissioned from the artist by Joseph Nollekens for fifteen guineas, by whose estate sold, Christie's, 4th July 1823, lot 117;
Ann Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, from whom acquired directly by Arthur Houghton, Jnr, by whom bequeathed to the Aspen Institute;
Sold by the above, Sotheby's, New York, 25th January 2001, lot 152, sold for $95,000

Letitia N. Hawkins, Memoirs, 1824, Vol. I, p. 55;
J.T. Smith, Nollekens and his Times, 1828, Vol. I;
Frances Gerard, Angelica Kauffmann, A Biography, 1893, pp. 68, 112, and 377;
Adeline Hartcup, Angelica, 1954, p. 54;
Lady Victoria Manners and Dr. G.C. Williamson, Angelica Kauffmann, R.A., Her Life and Her Works, 1976, p. 28

The canvas has been lined. There is an old restored tear to the right edge of the canvas in the background. This is only visible under a strong white light. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some retouching to the aforementioned damage, as well as a few minor scattered retouchings. The sitter's face and body would appear to be in excellent, untouched condition. Held in a moulded gilt frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"She had sat to the elegant artist of the day, Mrs Kauffmann, better known by her name of Angelica, and had been exquisitely painted with a dove pecking at her ring.  It was a beautiful picture, a likeness, and not unfairly flattered" (Hawkins, op.cit).

This charming portrait of Mary Nollekens was probably painted circa 1779.  Kauffmann was well established in London at this time, and she had painted a number of royal sitters, as well as many members of the nobility.  The fee of £15-15-0 was low in comparison with Kauffmann's standard charges, and this was probably a reflection of the friendship between the artist and Mrs Nollekens.

Mary was the daughter of Saunders Welch, Justice of the Peace for Westminster.  On 5th February 1774 she married Joseph Nollekens, the foremost sculptor of the day.  She was widely regarded as beautiful, so beautiful in fact "as to prompt the Marquis of Rockingham to say when she married an artist 'we shall now know from whom you copy Venus' " (ibid).  According to Nollekens' biographer, J.T. Smith, the couple shared an passion for economy which bordered on the miserly.