Richard Cosway R.A.

with powdered hair, wearing a blue coat with a black collar, white waistcoat and a bow-tied cravat, cloud and sky background

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, 12 December 1966, lot 39;
with David Lavender, London;
Baron Enrico Di Portanova (1934-2000), his executor's sale, Christie's New York, 20 October 2000, lot 37

D. Foskett, Collecting Miniatures, 1979, p. 360, pl. 104C

The miniature has been well preserved and the colours have remained fresh. The fine frame has very minor verdigris markings but is of a very high standard and is in good condition. For further information on this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407) mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"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."

The sitter was the son of William Williams, Rector of St. Ewe in Cornwall and of Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Gregor of Trewarthenick, Cornwall. In 1782 he married Anne Goddard of Rotterdam and Woodford Hall, Essex. She was the heiress to the banking house of Hope & Co. and as a result Williams assumed the name Hope after the union. The marriage produced two children, one of whom, Henrietta, married Jacob, 7^th Earl of Athlone.

The present miniature has been framed by the distinguish frame-maker Alphonse Giroux. He was active in Paris between 1775 and 1848. An enamel copy of this portrait by Henry Bone, signed and dated 1806, was sold in the Holzscheiter sale Sotheby's London, 9^th June 1986, lot 38.