John Hamilton Mortimer A.R.A.

Richard Payne Knight (1751-1824), by 1782;
Robert Blyth (1750-1784);
his sale, London, Hutchins, 1 June 1784, lot 48;
purchased from Hugh Scarfe, November 1958

Engraved:

by Robert Blyth (1750-1784), 1782

London, Society of Artists, 1774, no. 173;
Newcastle, 1974, no. 119

G. Benthall, John Hamilton Mortimer A.R.A., Drawings and Engraved Works with a Revised Account of his Life, 1950s, deposited in the Victoria and Albert Museum Library;
B. Nicolson, John Hamilton Mortimer, A.R.A. (1740-1779), London 1968, p. 28, discussed under no. 34;
J. Sunderland, ‘John Hamilton Mortimer, his Life and Work’, Walpole Society, Glasgow 1986, p. 73, 156, no. 84a  

This drawing has been well preserved. The pen and ink remains strong and although the sheet has discoloured a little and there is evidence of some minor foxing, these defects are only noticeable on very close inspection. The sheet has not been laid down, but attached a several points verso. For further information on this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones on 0207 293 5083 or mark.griffithjones@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."

Caius Marius is depicted as an isolated hero. Exhausted after the battle, he slumps amongst the ruins of Carthage, alone except for two concerned looking soldiers. At the 1774 Society of Artists exhibition, Mortimer exhibited this drawing alongside an oil painting of the same subject. That oil had been commissioned by Edward Sacheverell Pole (1718-1780) for his salon at Radburne Hall, Derbyshire.¹ Although the compositions of both works differ entirely, it would seem likely that the present drawing was connected to this commission. By 1782 the present drawing had been acquired by the connoisseur Richard Payne Knight (1751-1824) and it was at this time engraved by Robert Blyth.

1. J. Sunderland, op.cit., p. 156, no. 84, fig. 103