Sir William Beechey R.A.

half length, seated, wearing a dark red coat and a white stock

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are frame abrasion marks around the edges of the painting and some general surface dirt which could easily be cleaned off. There is craquelure throughout consistent with age. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals some infilling to the craquelure, and some light scattered re-touching to the background. FRAME Held in a gilt wood and moulded plaster 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 son of Sir Armine Wodehouse and Letitia Bacon. In 1784 he was selected as candidate for Great Yarmouth but withdrew after a canvass. In 1769 he married Sophia Berkeley, daughter of Hon. Charles Berkeley of Bruton Abbey, Somerset with whom he had seven children. In 1797 he was created Baron Wodehouse of Kimberley. The commission of this portrait no doubt arose from the presence of Sir William Beechey in Norwich between 1781 and 1785. Although Beechey had only intended to spend a month in the city, an abundance of appointments and invitations to visit Lord Orford at Houghton Hall (where he met Fuseli and Cipriani) induced him to extend his stay.