Herbert Pugh

Commissioned from the artist by George, 2nd Earl of Pomfret (1722-1786);
by descent

G. Baker, The History and Antiquities of the County of Northampton, 1836, part 4, p. 147 (The Gallery, Easton Neston "view in Windsor Park, with earl and countess of Pomfret, Hubert Pugh".)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are three very minor spots of abrasion to the lower centre of the canvas and there is one very minor spot of paint loss, lower left. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a small number of minor scattered spots of retouching and a slightly opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a British Neoclassical gilded frame. A professional condition report for this lot is available upon request.
"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."

George Fermor, 2^nd Earl of Pomfret (1722-1785)  was the son of Thomas Fermor (1698-1753), 2nd Lord Lempster and later Earl of Pomfret and his wife, Louise Jeffreys, granddaughter of Judge Jeffreys and Philip, 7^th Earl of Pembroke. He was a rake and a spendthrift whose profligate ways were already apparent by the time of his father's death in 1753. His father had decided to avoid an impending financial catastrophe, and only left him the entailed estate of Easton Neston, whilst the possessions went to his more dependable sisters (see lot 13).

Pomfret was fortunate enough to make an advantageous marriage to Anna Maria Draycott (1737-1787). She was not only the granddaughter and heiress of William Draycott of Sunbury, Middlesex but also inherited the considerable property of Lady Jane Coke, daughter of Thomas 1^st Marquess of Wharton in 1757. She was magnificently portrayed by Sir Joshua Reynolds in her peeress' robes (see The Sale of Easton Neston, Sotheby's 2005, lot 49). The Count and Countess had three children, George, later 3^rd Earl of Pomfret, Thomas later 4^th Earl, and Charlotte who married Peter Denys of the Pavilion Chelsea.

This painting is dated 1765 shortly after the Pomfret's marriage. It depicts an extensive view with Windsor Castle, the Great Park and the school of Eton College beyond, on the grandest possible scale. In 1762 George III had made Pomfret, Lord of the Bedchamber and Ranger of Little Park, Windsor. The Pomfrets are depicted in their elegant finery in the near foreground, clearly advertising that they were able to use the grounds of Windsor for their leisure. This painting also depicts them being introduced to Herbert Pugh, the artist, who is seated with his sketch book in the middle foreground. It is a charming and important moment, as the Pomfret's were to become significant patrons of Pugh.

Born in Ireland, Herbert Pugh moved to London in circa 1758. He had only just settled in Covent Garden by 1764, the year before this painting was commissioned.  Pugh first exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1760, and continued to do so every year until 1776, exhibiting a total of forty five paintings in all. In 1771 he was elected Fellow of the Society of Artists.