Lot 231
  • 231

George Romney

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • George Romney
  • Portrait of Mary Wilson (1746-1820)
  • oil on canvas

Provenance

By descent in the Ainslie family, until sold;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 6th July 1983, lot 238 (bt. by Agnew's for £6,500);
with Spiller Gallery, London

Literature

To be included in the forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné of the works of George Romney by Alex Kidson

Condition

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition. There is no apparent damage or loss of paint and the picture is ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals very minor scattered flecks of retouching in the sitter's costume and face. There is also some minor retouching along the lower edge of the canvas, due to previous frame abrasion. FRAME Held in a gilded, neo-classical wooden frame. For informationon this lot, or any questions, please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 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."

Catalogue Note

The sitter was born in 1746 and married Dr. James Ainslie of Hall Garth near Carnforth, Lancashire. Romney painted their son Henry, a famous physician, and also his wife and child, in 1787 (see H. Ward and W. Roberts, Romney, 1904, Vol. II, p. 3). The present painting was originaly one of a pair by Romney, the other being of the sitter's younger sister Elizabeth.