Benjamin West, P.R.A.

With Davis & Langdale Company, New York, by 1982, no. 46

Laid down on to a sheet of paper which has in turn been window mounted to a decorative card support. There is some very minor foxing in places, however the image remains predominantly strong and the medium reasonably fresh. Sold in a carved giltwood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This charming domestic scene shows the artist's wife and her friend Mrs. Brounker sewing. Benjamin West had married Elizabeth Shewell (1741-1814), the daughter of a Philadelphia merchant, in 1764. From 1774, the couple lived at 14 Newman Street, which is situated just to the north of Oxford Street in central London. The exact identity of Mrs Brounker is unclear, however she may be Elizabeth Nichols, who married Richard Brouncker at St George's Church, Mayfair in March 1753. She died at her apartments in Howland Street in 1797. Howland Street is a short walk to the north-east from Newman Street. We are grateful to Neil Jeffares for his help when cataloguing this lot.