- 231
Richard Cosway, R.A.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Richard Cosway, R.A.
- Portrait of Queen Charlotte, née Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)
- Watercolour and pencil;
bears inscription in black chalk, verso: Charlotte of Mecklenburgh Strelitz / Queen of George 3rd Strelitz - 228 by 140 mm
Provenance
Sale, London, Bonham's, 10 April 2002, lot 370
Condition
Laid down on an old mount. There is a trace of a vertical line, possibly in brush and grey wash with two small stains of grey wash at its bottom. Very minor traces of foxing and possibly a paper flaw to the right and left of the Queen's right eye.
"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."
"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
Queen Charlotte was born Princess Sophie Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She was the second daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and his wife, Elizabeth Albertina of Saxe-Hildburghausen. In 1761 she married King George III and the couple had fifteen children together.
This drawing, with its combination of fine detail and energetically applied graphite, dates to the late 1780s. Richard Cosway was a favourite of Queen Charlotte’s eldest son, George, Prince of Wales. In 1785, the Prince appointed him his ‘Principal Painter’ and that title secured Cosway's reputation as the premier miniaturist of the age. There is a portrait miniature of the Queen by Cosway, on ivory, in the Royal Collection.1
1. J. Ingamells, National Portrait Gallery Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, London 2004, p. 107