John Hoppner R.A. 1758-1810

Half length, wearing a blue coat with a red collar, and a white stock

William Angerstein, Weeting Hall, Norfolk, his sale, Christie's, 4th July 1896, lot 111, bt. Agnew's for 400 gns;
Sir William Agnew, Bt (1825-1910);
Sir Gordon Vereker (1889-1976), sold by his executors, Christie's, 18th March 1977, lot 113

 

W. Mckay and W. Roberts, John Hoppner, 1914, p. 156

The painting would appear to be in generally very good condition, and is ready to hang. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a thick varnish which obscures a clear reading. However, there would appear to be some evidence of retouching around the painted oval, as well as some minor touches of repaint to the sitter's face. Held in a carved wood 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."

The sitter was the eldest son of William Locke of Norbury Park, Surrey, who was widely respected as a friend and patron of contemporary artists and men of letters. Like his father Locke was a patron of the arts, but he was also an artist of promise and one of his pictures, The Last Moments of Cardinal Wolsey was engraved by C. Knight. Locke was a pupil and friend of Henry Fuseli, who dedicated his Lectures on painting to him. He sold Norbury Park in 1819 and lived principally in Rome and Paris. He married the beautiful Elizabeth Jennings (c.1781-1846), daughter of Henry Constantine "Dog" Jennings, a fellow collector. They had a son, William (1804-1832) who was remarkable for his beauty, and who eloped with Selina (1812-1892) daughter of Admiral Tollemache. They were married soon after in Brighton, on 7th December 1829. He was later drowned in Lake Como on 14th September 1832.