- 95
Richard Cosway R.A.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Richard Cosway R.A.
- Portrait of Thomas Postlethwaite (1730/1-1798)
- 7.4 by 6.2 cm.; 2 15/16 by 2 1/2 in.
wearing black and red robes with white tabs, gold frame with glazed hair reverse, the frame engraved: R.dus Cosway R.A pictor principis. / Pinxit 1794., presumably repeating the inscription on the reverse of the miniature
Provenance
Anonymous sale in these Room, 26 June 1978, lot 240
Condition
Ivory ground.
This work is in very fine condition. On the nose there are three miniscule black flecks which are not discernable to the naked eye. Further, there are one or two loose dust flecks under the glass.
The glazed reverse of the frame has surface scratching and some of the decoration surounding the central hair lock is lacking.
"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
Thomas Postlethwaite was elected master of Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1789, having been recommended to the Prime Minister, William Pitt, by Richard Farmer, master of Emmanuel College: 'If you wish to oblige the society, appoint Postlethwaite'. From the time he graduated in 1753 he held the reputation of being one of the most distinguished mathematicians in the University. In 1756 he was ordained deacon at Lincoln and in 1774 he was presented the rectory of Hamerton, Huntingdonshire. He died, unmarried, in Bath.