Thomas Hudson

three-quarter length, standing wearing a pink dress, resting against a plinth in a landscape

Commissioned by Sir William Courtenay, 3rd Bt., later 1st Viscount Courtenay (1710-1762) and thence by descent.
 

Anon, An Inventory of the Effects at Powderham Castle in the County od Devon directed by the Will and Codicil of the Rt. Hon. William the 9th Earl of Devon to be preserved as heirlooms. November 1835 (Earl of Devon's archive, Powderham Castle, I/1/1/11);
M. Girouard, "Powderham Castle II", Country Life, July 11^th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 82, illustrated hanging in the Second Library;
Lord Devon, Powderham Castle, Historic Family Home of the Earls of Devon, 2006, p. 26 (illustrated hanging in the State Bedroom)

STRUCTURE The canvas is unlined. There are two patches on the reverse of the canvas. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good, original condition, and there are no visible signs of retouching. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an old and discoloured layer of opaque varnish overall. There is some old dirt engrained into the craquelure. There is very minor retouching to the nose of the sitter, and minor strengthening in the chest, to what appears to be a samll, old minor tear. This relates to the upper of the two patches, verso. There is very minor scattered strengthening low down in the sitter's costume. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded frame. For further information on this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on 0207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

Sir William Courtenay, 1st Viscount, inherited Powderham in 1735. He soon set about an extensive program of redecoration and embellishment of the house. A keen promoter of local talent, he was quick to notice the potential of the young Thomas Hudson, a Devon born painter, who worked extensively at Powderham, both from his earliest days and throughout his career.

Master of both Sir Joshua Reynolds and Richard Cosway, Hudson's work for Sir William ranged from painting portraits to decorating the family yacht, and entries for 'Thomas Hudson, Lymner' appear as early as 1728 in the house accounts. The family portrait dated 1756 of Sir William Courtenay with his wife and children, which hangs in the Dining-Hall at Powderham, is arguably his finest work, the glistening satin and rococo elegance of which is also found in this portrait of Lady Elizabeth Finch. Known to the family as 'Betty' she was the younger daughter of the Earl of Aylesford and sister-in-law to the 1st Viscount.