Sir Martin Archer Shee, P.R.A

half length, wearing a maroon coat and a white stock 

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fair condition. There is a fine craquelure in keeping with age throughout the painting to which there has been some infilling. There are three areas of paint loss down the left hand side of the canvas as well as a small number of further minor flecks of paint loss nearby. This is due to minor flaking of the paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms extensive infilling to craquelure and scattered retouching overall. There has been some strengthening to the area above the sitters head. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded Neoclassical style 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 eldest son of the great politician William Pitt the elder, 1^st Earl of Chatham and his wife Hester Grenville, and elder brother of William Pitt the Younger. His brief political career came about largely through the influence of his brother who invited him in 1778 to become first Lord of the Admiralty, a post he held until 1794. In 1789 he became Privy Councillor, a Knight of the Garter the next year and served as both Lord Privy Seal and President of the Council, resigning with his brother in 1801.

Most of Chatham's energies were however devoted to his military career. He had joined the army at the age of eighteen when he became Ensign in the 47^th Foot. By 1799 he had been promoted to Colonel of the 4^th Foot, and served with distinction at the second battle of Bergen. Probably his most successful contribution was as Master-General of the Ordinance, a post he held from 1801 to 1806 and from 1807 to 1810. Though promoted to Lieutenant General in 1802 his career in the field was blighted by the failure of the Walcheren expedition in 1809 of which he had been given command. His reputation was compromised by a subsequent inquiry, though he continued to blame the naval commander Sir Richard Strachan. He was a great favourite of George III to whose influence he owed many of his appointments. Earlier in his career he had served as Governor of Plymouth and Governor of Jersey, and in 1820 on the death of the Duke of Kent, he was made Governor of Gibraltar, a post he held till his death. In 1783 he married Mary daughter of Thomas Townsend, 1^st Viscount Sydney who died in 1821.