Gilbert Stuart and Studio

By descent from the sitter to his daughter, Lady Henrietta Taylour, who married, in 1791, Chambré Brabazon Ponsonby (1762-1834);
Thence by descent at Kilcooley Abbey, County Tipperary, Ireland.

W. G. Strickland, A Dictionary of Irish Artists, Dublin and London 1913, vol. II, p. 413 (as Stuart);
L. Park, Gilbert Stuart, New York 1926, vol. I, p. 146, no. 74 (as Stuart).

The picture and lighter in tone and fresher in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The paint surface is in good overall condition bar some very minor frame abrasion visible at the right hand canvas edge and there are some addtional very minor old retouched flecks of paint loss in the lower left. There is a mottled varnish and surface dirt overall. Under a raking light there is evidence of an old restored vertical tear in the background centre left measuring approx. 4 in. There is also an uneven craquelure. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the varnish and reveals some old minor scattered retouchings in the background including those aforementioned retouchings to the tear. Overall the picture is in good country house condition. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition but for some very minor losses to the gilt.
"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."

The eldest son of Sir Thomas Taylour, 2nd Bt., and his wife Sarah Graham, in 1747 Bective entered the Irish House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Kells. In 1760 he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Headford, of Headford, in the County of Meath, and later Viscount Headford in 1762. In 1766 he was created Earl of Bective, and in 1783 he became a founding member of the Order of St Patrick, the insignia of which he is depicted wearing in this portrait.