Sawrey Gilpin, R.A.

Sir John Rupert Hunt Thouron K.B.E. (1907-2007) and Esther du Pont, Lady Thouron (1908-1984), Unionville, Pennsylvania.

The painting is not as red as it appears in the catalogue illustration, and appears to be in generally good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered minor retouchings in the background, especially to the darker pigments. There is a small amount of retouching to the muzzle of the dog, and around the eyes, as well as some strengthening to the tips of the curls in the coat. The painting is held in a gilt neo classical style frame. 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."

Sawrey Gilpin was the leading animal painter working in eighteenth century England after George Stubbs. Much admired by his contemporaries, in 1794, John Williams, as art critic for The Morning Herald, wrote that “Mr Gilpin is inferior to Mr Stubbs in anatomical knowledge, but is superior to him in grace and genius”.

The King Charles spaniel was a popular breed among the nobility and gentry in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The history of the breed, however, dates back to the seventeenth century, and Charles I is recorded as having kept a small spaniel named Rogue during his captivity at Carisbrooke Castle. However it is with his son, Charles II, that this breed is most closely associated, of whom it is said that "His Majesty was seldom seen without his little dogs”. 

We are grateful to David Fuller for endorsing the attribution to upon first hand inspection of the painting.