Enoch Seeman

full-length, standing, attended by their Blackamoor servant, with a parrot, a monkey and a dog, in a lavish interior

Probably commissioned by General Bissett (1660-1742) on the occasion of the marriage of his ward Marjorie Winram to Sir James Innes 5th Bt of Balvanie;
by descent to their daughter, Catherine, who married James Lord Forbes;
by descent to his sister, Sophia;
by descent to her grandaughter Margaret, Mrs Alexander Russel of Aden;
by descent until sold;
Anonymous sale, Bonham's London, 4th December 1997, lot 16

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals minor areas of retouching to the sitters and further retouching overall. There is evidence of more extensive retouching to previous damage in the upper section of the canvas, above the sitters heads. FRAME Held in a British Rococo style carved and gilded 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 painting is inscribed Brigadr. Gen. Bissett on the Blackamoor's collar, which provides the identity for the sitters in this decorative portrait. Another painting of General Bissett and his family dated 1708, which hangs at Castle Forbes, shows a dog with a similar collar, also inscribed with the patron's name. Bissett (1660-1742) was commissioned in the Coldstream Guards in 1688 and commanded them at Almanza on 25th April 1707, in one of the most decisive engagements of the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1735 he was commissioned Lieutenant General, following a distinguished military career, later dying in Ireland.

At least two of the sitters are more than likely identifiable as Bissett's daughter, Constance, and his niece and ward, Marjorie Winram (d.1763). In 1734 Marjorie married Sir James Innes, 5th Bt. of Balvenie and it is quite possible that this portrait was commissioned upon that occasion. Certainly the date would tally with Bissett's rank at the time.

The case for dating this painting to 1734 is further strengthen by the fact that Marjorie, whom we must assume to be the central figure, can been seen depicted in what appears to be a wedding dress, with her cousins in attendance. The abundance of accompanying marital symbols, such as the small dog in the foreground (a symbol of fidelity), would support this. To the right of the painting her cousin motions towards a basket of fruit, a traditional symbol of fertility, whilst behind the attendant servant clutches a monkey, an animal associated in art with lust and sexuality. Marjorie is the only figure to engage the viewer directly, gazing out of the canvas with a soft tenderness in her stare, whilst she feeds a brightly coloured parrot, an exotic creature and therefore representative of wealth and prosperity. Perhaps the most persuasive element however is the statue of Diana which stands watch over the gathering. One of the twelve Olympian gods from classical mythology and the twin sister of Apollo, Diana (the virgin huntress) is most commonly represented as a symbol of chastity.

The family clearly continued to patronise Seeman for some time as his signature appears in Bisset's daybook in 1740, the artist having received 20 guineas for pictures, Seeman's standard price for a full length portrait. Born in Danzig in circa 1694 Seeman was trained and brought to London by his father, where he was in practise by 1717, when he then painted full lengths of George I (Middle Temple) and Elihu Yale (Yale University).