Thomas Hudson

Possibly, by descent in the Lowther family, Lowther Castle, Westmorland (according to an old Heinz Archive inscription);

R. Cunliffe Shaw;

By whom sold, London, Sotheby's, 29 July 1964, lot 301, for £250 to Maione.

London, Museum of London, Masquerade, 26 July - 2 October 1983, unnumbered.

The painting appears to be in very good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint. The tone of the painting is less red than the illustration in the catalogue suggests. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals infilling and retouching to craquelure in the red drape, to the right of the sitter's elbow, as well as in the darker areas of the sitter's jacket; in the shadows under right arm, and in the shadow between the coat and the cape. There is also some minor retouching to the shadows in the legs, and in the lower panel of the coat. There is one small retouching in the upper right hand corner, but otherwise the rest of the paint surface, and in particular the flesh tones, is in very good condition. Held in a gilded wooden frame with moulded detailing on the inner edge. To speak to a specialist about this lot 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."

Born in 1736, James Lowther was one of the richest commoners in Britain. He wielded enormous politcal power, returning nine members to the House of Commons, including William Pitt. He was famous amongst his contemporaries for his violence and despotism which earned him the sobriquets, "Wicked Jimmy" and "Jimmy Graspall, Earl of Toadstool". Another version of this portrait, in which he holds a tricorn in his left hand is in the collection of the Earl of Lonsdale, having formerly been at Whitehaven Castle.