James Northcote R.A. 1746-1831

half length, wearing naval uniform

Commissioned directly from the artist by the sitter

Stephen Gwynn, Memorials of an Eighteenth Century Painter, 1898, no.353;
Jacob Simon, 'The Account Book of James Northcote', Walpole Society, Vol.LVIII, 1995/96, p.72, no.369

ENGRAVED:
By Ridley in 1803

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is some very light and even cracquelure to the background consistent with age. There is a small crack in the glass in the lower left hand corner. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals very minor and light re-touching to parts of the background. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster and 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 son of John, 3rd Earl Waldegrave (1718-1784) and Lady Elizabeth Leveson-Gower (1724-1784), daughter of the first Earl Gower and Evelyn Pierrepoint. He joined the Royal Navy after leaving Eton at the age of twelve, initially serving in the Jersey, the flagship of Commodore Richard Spry. He promoted Lieutenant in 1772, Captain in 1776 and Rear-Admiral in 1794.  He was third in command at the Battle of St Vincent. He was made governor and commander-in-chief for Newfoundland in 1797 and in December 1800 he was created Baron Radstock. He died in Portland Place in London, and was buried in Navestock church, Essex, where a memorial to him can still be seen.