- 67
OZIAS HUMPHRY, R.A. | Portrait of Suliman Aga Le Luna
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Portrait of Suliman Aga Le Luna
- Watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, gold frame;signed verso: Suliman Aga Le Lun, Capitaine du Bey de Tripoli. Peint en Angleterre par ordre de la Duchesse de Richmond en 1782 par O.H
- 96 by 74 mm.
Provenance
Charles Henry Hart, New York;
sale, London, Christie's, 7 November 1988, lot 113
sale, London, Christie's, 7 November 1988, lot 113
Literature
Williamson, 1904, vol. II, p. 12, pl. LXXIV, no. 4;
Williamson, 1918, p. 242
Williamson, 1918, p. 242
Condition
The colours of the sitter's kaftan have faded and the sky has warmed up. However, the face is in excellent order. The white highlights on the turban have suffered minor loses. Overall this is a very imposing miniature.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The presence of a representative of the Tripoli Regency in London at this date was certainly connected with the role of the Barbary States and the implementation of British government policy in the Mediterranean. This included securing sources of food for the British garrisons of Gibraltar and Menorca, ensuring freedom from attack for British shipping and, ideally, the restriction of trade of other European States. It is interesting that this portrait, which shows the sitter wearing a turban and dolama, was commissioned by Mary Bruce, Duchess of Richmond, who had been portrayed wearing ‘Turkish’ dress by Angelika Kauffmann, some seven years previously.