Sir John Everett Millais, P.R.A.

Given by the artist to the sitter and thence to his daughter Eliza and by further descent to the present owner

The picture is framed as oval but the work extends to all of the board. There are surface abrasions corresponding to the oval framing edge which would require restoration if the picture were to be framed as a rectangle portrait. Otherwise the board appears to sound. There is some discoloration to the varnish which also appears milky in places and some fine cracking is also visible to the varnish. UV light inspection reveals no evidence of any retouching or restoration. Held in a simple gilt frame with an oval slip mount.
"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."

Reverend John Perkins was born in Oxford in 1803. His father, also John, was a wine merchant. He was a servitor student at Christ Church College between 1820 and 1824. In 1833 he became vicar in the Gloucestershire village of Lower Swell, whilst continuing duties as chaplain of Carfax Church in Oxford. In addition to this he was an occasional tutor to the Marquess of Blandford at Blenheim Palace. In 1848 he suffered a stroke and his health declined thereafter and he died in 1850. He features regularly in Francis Witts' Diary of a Cotswold Parson - upon his death, the diarist wrote, 'He was in many respects an estimable person....He leaves a widow and one daughter not grown up'. He was buried in Lower Swell, and the church has a window commemorated to him. 

According to Dr Malcolm Warner the present picture was painted c.1845-50 and was copied from a larger portrait by another, unidentified artist (in the family collection). It seems that following Perkins' early death Millais was requested to do this copy as a memorial - the Reverend had many siblings, so having an extra portrait of him for the family to share might be an attractive option. Whether Millais was commissioned or had enough connection with the family to do it as a gift is not known but he was certainly very connected with Oxford in these early years of his career. The red chair, dark background and dark clothing are reminiscent of Millais' portrait of William Hugh Fenn painted in 1848 (Owens Art Gallery, Mount Allison University) and also Millais' portraits of another Oxford family James Wyatt and his Granddaughter Mary Wyatt of 1849 (collection of Lord Lloyd Webber).