Lot 10
  • 10

Allan Ramsay

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Allan Ramsay
  • Portrait of John Fitzgerald Villiers, 1st Earl of Grandison (c.1684-1766)
  • signed and dated l.l.: A. Ramsay 1743
  • oil on canvas, in a British Baroque gilded frame 
  • 124.5 by 99 cm., 49 by 39 1/2 in.

Provenance

By family descent until c.1999

Literature

A. Smart, Allan Ramsay; A Complete Catalogue of his Paintings, 1999, no. 205, illus. fig. 144, p. 123

Condition

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in reasonably good condition. There are a number of old retouchings to the background, in the upper centre of the canvas, above the sitter's head. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the retouching mentioned above and reveals some further, minor scattered retouching in the upper section of the canvas. There is some strengthening to the sitter's forehead and a few minor flecks in the eyes. There is a very discoloured and opaque varnish overall. FRAME. Held in a carved and gilded wooden 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."

Catalogue Note

The son of Edward Villiers, the sitter succeeded his grandfather in 1699 as 5th Viscount Grandison, and was created Earl Grandison in 1721. He was M.P. for Old Sarum in 1705 and the following year married Frances Cary. Lord Inchiquin wrote to the Duke of Ormonde on 12th February 1706: "I hear Lady Grandison is in great affliction for my Lord's being married unknown to her to Mrs Carey's daughter who can be no great fortune, and that is what he wanted to make himself and family, easy is she swooned at the news."