George Romney 1734-1802

half length, standing, wearing a dark blue velvet coat, lace cravat and powdered wig

By descent from the sitter to his grandson Sir George William Gunning, Bt. (1828-1903);
Brigadier General Sir Charles Gunning, Bt. (1851-1950), his son;
With Agnew's from whom bought in 1956

Lord R. S. Gower, George Romney, 1904, pl. 9;
H. Ward and W. Roberts, Romney, 1904, vol. II., p. 68

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE There are no apparent tears or damages, and the work would appear to be in good structural condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a passage of re-touching in the lower right hand corner, as well as an 'S'- shaped re-touching on his shoulder. There is evidence of some older re-touchings in the background, as well as under his right eye and along the edge of his right cheek. Generally however the sitter's face would appear to be in good condition. FRAME 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 only son of Sir Robert Gunning of Eltham, the distinguished diplomat, and his second wife Anne, daughter of Robert Sutton. He was educated at Charterhouse and Trinity College, Cambridge.

On 10th February 1794 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Henry Bridgeman, Bt. by whom he had seven sons and one daughter. He entered politics at the start of the nineteenth century, becoming M.P. for Wigan (1800-1802), Hastings (1802-1806) and East Grinstead (1812-1818). In 1816 he succeeded his father as second baronet. He lived at Horton in Northamptonshire, which his father had bought on his return from St Petersburg where he had been ambassador, and at his house in Saville Row. Romney's portrait of his father Sir Robert Gunning is in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.