James Seymour 1702-1752

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined and the structure is sound. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good condition. There is craquelure throughout. ULTRAVIOLET Not examined under ultraviolet light. CONCLUSION The work is in good overall condition with vivid colours. Held in a gilt frame and ready to hang.
"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."

Sir William Jolliffe (1665-1751) was Seymour's principal patron and he features in a number of Seymour's racing pictures. Jolliffe was a Director of the Africa Company from 1699 to 1706 and the Bank of England from 1714 to 1742. He was a keen follower of horse racing and commissioned both Seymour and Wootton to paint racing pictures for Epsom House in Surrey. It is likely that his connection to Seymour arose through the artist's father who was also a banker and a goldsmith who supplied plate for racing trophies. Jolliffe, who made his fortune as a turkey merchant and money lender, owned estates in Essex and Yorkshire and was M.P. for Petersfield in 1734. He was left provision for a statue of William III which stands in the Square at Petersfield.

This painting would seem to derive from an identical, signed composition sold in these rooms from the Jack Dick collection on 28^th April 1976, lot 186.