- 101
John Smart
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- John Smart
- Portrait of a Lady
- signed with initials l.r.: J.S. / 1799
- 7.9 by 6.1 cm.; 3 1/16 by 2 3/8 in.
wearing a white dress and a gold necklace, her hair tied with a brown ribbon, gold frame
Provenance
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 10 March 1975, lot 59
Condition
Ivory ground.
The colouring is very typical of the period and is in overall excellent condition. There is a very small area of paint loss, to the ground, above her left breast - hardly noticeable because this is an area of white paint on ivory. Right at the very base line there is slight irregularity of the paint surface caused by old humidity.
The frame is stamped: 750.
"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."
"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
The year before this portrait was painted, Joseph Farington noted in a diary entry dated 28 July 1798: 'Smart says he has realized between 5 & £600 a year. He paints miniatures now at 25 guineas a head'. This information was essentially corroborated by Thomas Jones who reported 'I have often heard him [Smart] say "D- me Sir I can sit on my A- for 18 hours together without stirring and put four & twenty guineas in my pocket at a sitting'''.