Circle of Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Richard Frank Heathcoat-Amory (1903-1957);
Sold posthumously ('The Property of the Executors of the late R.F. Heathcoat-Amory, Esq.), London, Sotheby's, June 27, 1962, lot 86 (as 'F. Goya'), for £800;
Sold by the above purchaser, London, Sotheby's, July 8, 1981, lot 150 (as 'F. Goya'), for £4,200.

New York, Knoedler Gallery, Goya, 1934.

The canvas has a fresh, taut relining resulting in a slight pressing of the paint surface, though this does not detract from the image. Inspection under UV reveals scattered, minor retouches throughout the background, also concentrated in the flesh tones of the sitter's chest and right arm. The painting presents a fresh image with bright colors and it requires no further work, it is ready to hang in its present state. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

María del Rosario Fernández (Seville 1755 - 1803 Madrid), was one of the most prominent actresses of her day in the Spanish theatre. She was married to Francisco Castellanos, also an actor, known as 'El Tirano' (The Tyrant) due to the roles he frequently played when they performed together. Rosario Fernández's nickname, 'La Tirana', was the female equivalent.

Goya painted two portraits of La Tirana; a three-quarter length painting in 1794, the year in which she retired from the stage; and a full-length portrait in 1799, now in the Museo de la Real Academia de San Fernando, Madrid.  That painting, a life-sized canvas that measures 206 cm. (about 81 in.) in height, was donated to the Academia by La Tirana's niece and is recorded there from 1816. It must have been very famous in its day and was copied many times.

When the present painting was offered for sale in 1962 it was accompanied by a letter from A.L. Mayer in which he suggested that the portrait was an autograph work by Goya and a reduced version of the artist's painting in San Fernando. Mayer also proposed that the painting may have been made for Don Diego Colón, a descendant of Christopher Columbus and a friend of the actress. There is no basis for this assumption but he probably suggested it because she is thought to have bequeathed to Colón another portrait of herself by Goya.

Richard Frank Heathcoat-Amory (1903-1957) was a Lieutenant in the 4th Hussars, a senior partner at the stockbroking firm Stirling Amory, and Secretary in the British Embassy in Washington between 1939 and 1942. He was grandson to Sir John Amory, later Heathcoat-Amory, 1st Bart, created in 1874.