- 89
Richard Cosway R.A.
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Richard Cosway R.A.
- Portrait of Mrs Sturm
- signed and inscribed verso: R dus: Cosway. / R.A / Primarius Pictor / Sereniffimi Walliæ / Principis / Pinxit / 1795
- 8.1 by 6.4 cm.; 3 1/4 by 2 5/8 in.
wearing a white dress with a ruff collar, a white bandeau and drop pearl earrings, gold and silver frame, the border set with circular-cut diamonds, glazed reverse
Provenance
Alfred Hill his sale in these Rooms, 13 May 1942, lot 83;
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 9 July 1986, lot 175
Condition
Ivory ground.
This extremely subtle work is in very fine condition.
The late 19th century frame is set with diamonds worth approximately £1000-1,500.
"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
In 1795, the year Cosway painted this miniature of Mrs Sturm, he charged 30 guineas for a portrait. Miniatures painted for the Prince of Wales of his siblings Prince Adolphus and the Princesses Mary, Sophia and Amelia, were all itemised at this figure in an account dated May 1795 (Walker 1992, pp. 92-94). The amount was 5 guineas more than John Smart could ask at a slightly later date (see lot 101).