Lot 35
  • 35

John Russell R.A.

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • John Russell R.A.
  • Portrait of Dr Henry Peckwell (1746-1787); and Portrait of his wife Isabella Blossett (d.1816)
  • she signed with initials m.l.: J.R.
  • a pair, oil on canvas, both held in Carlo Maratta frames
both three-quarter length, seated; he wearing clerical robes and holding a bible, in a library with a window beyond; she wearing a white dress with cream shawl, holding a small book, a landscape beyond

Provenance

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, 17th July 1974, lot 104 (bt. by the present owner)

Exhibited

London, Royal Academy, 1775, no. 258 (Portrait of Sir Henry Peckwell)

Literature

G.C. Williamson, John Russell R.A., 1894, p. 48

Condition

STRUCTURE Both canvases are unlined and in good condition. PAINT SURFACE Both paintings appear to be very good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an uneven layer of discoloured vanish over both canvases but shows no signs of recent retouching. FRAME Both held in Carlo Maratta frames.
"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."

Catalogue Note

ENGRAVED:
R. Houston, 1774

Born in 1747 Henry Peckwell was the son of Henry Peckwell of Chichester, and was one of the chaplains to the Countess of Huntingdon. Through the influence of her eldest daughter, the Countess of Moira, he preached in Chapel at the Magdalen Institution in Dublin. In 1784 he founded an institution called 'The Sick Man's Friend,'  himself studying medicine in order to render himself of better service. In 1773 Peckwell married Bella Blosset of County Meath, who is here depicted in the companion portrait to her husband.