- 11
Luke Sullivan
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Luke Sullivan
- Portrait of a lady, possibly Kitty Fisher
- signed with monogram c.l.: LS / 1763
- 6.4 by 5.1 cm.; 2 1/2 by 2 in.
holding a small dog, wearing a green dress, with a pink drape and ribbons in her hair, silver-gilt and frame, blue enamel paillon reverse
Provenance
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 17 November 1975, lot 44
Literature
Foskett 1979/1989, p. 174, pl. 40H
Condition
Ivory ground.
Overall this miniature is in good condition. However, there is a curving surface scratch approximately 3mm. in from the left hand margin that runs through the last digit of the date. There is a corresponding, less pronounced, mark on the facing side. Further, there is very minor paint loss on the extreme right hand margin and very slight scratching on her cuff in that area. These defects are in real life very minor and do not detract from the considerable charm of this miniature.
"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
Kitty Fischer (Fisher) was the daughter of a German silver-chaser who had settled in Soho. By the time of her premature death, at the age of 26, she was one of the most celebrated courtesans in London, a consequence of her notable beauty and lively sense of humour. Her admirers were numerous, including Admiral Augustus Keppel, Admiral Lord Anson and General Ligonier. According to Horace Walpole she was recognized in a London park by both the young Prince Frederick William and his elder brother the Prince of Wales (later King George III). In 1766, to the disappointment of many, she married John Norris (1740-1811). She died, possibly of consumption, shortly afterwards.