Lot 179
  • 179

After George Romney

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • After George Romney
  • Portrait of Edward Wortley Montagu (1713-1776)
  • inscribed lower left: Edward Wortley Montague Esq.r
  • oil on canvas
  • 146.4 x 112 cm.; 57 5/8  x 44 1/8  in.

Provenance

In the possession of the present owner for at least 30 years.

Condition

The canvas has a firm lining, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. No damages are visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some retouchings scattered in the red pigment of his clothing, in the sky upper right (most notably an area just to the right of his turban), and a few spots in the lower right corner, but the work otherwise appears to be in very good condition. Offered in a carved and painted Kentian frame in very good condition.
"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

A copy after Romney's original portrait in Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield.Another version of the same composition sold London, Sotheby's, 9 July 2014, lot 45 for £4,002,500, setting a new record for the artist. A wildly eccentric man, who disdained convention and actively courted controversy, Edward Wortley Montagu was the only son of Sir Edward Wortley Montagu (1678–1761), British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and his wife, the infamous and equally eccentric writer, traveller and orientalist, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (circa 1689–1762). 

1. A. Kidson, George Romney: a complete catalogue of his paintings, vol. II, London 2015, p. 413, cat. no. 906a, reproduced.