George Romney

With Newhouse Galleries, New York;
By whom (anonymously) sold, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 28 April 1962, lot 38;
There acquired by Howard Fast;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The canvas is lined. Underneath a vanish that has some minor streaks visible to the naked eye, but are not too distracting, appears a handsome sitter. There is a 2 cm wide loss on the forehead with some minor associated flaking.The paint appears to be slightly pressed in some areas, like for example on the face, hair, black cloth, and background. Though a thick varnish fluoresces under UV light, there could be some old retouches on the sitter's face, hand, and here and there on the background. Painting is offered in a gilded 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. 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."

We are grateful to Alex Kidson who, based on a photograph, has confirmed this portrait to be by Romney, datable to the early 1770s. The sitter bears a resemblance to the playwright Richard Cumberland, Romney’s friend and patron, whose portrait he painted on several occasions.