EDWARD TREVANYON HAYNES, AFTER SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS | Portrait of Robert Smith, 1st Lord Carrington (1752-1838)

Three-quarter length, leaning on a tree trunk, wearing a red coat, holding a tricorn hat

Acquired for The Partners Room at Smith, Payne & Smith, 1 Lombard Street, London;
Lindsay Eric Smith (1852-1930), who was a partner of that bank and later The Union of London & Smiths Bank Ltd.;
Captain Evan Cadogan Smith MC (1894-1950), who was chairman of the National Provincial Bank which had absorbed Union of London & Smiths Bank Ltd.;
Sir John Smith (1923-2007);
thence by descent

The canvas is relined, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Many of the pigments appear to have bituminised, in the sitter’s red coat and in the darks of the background. There are some small losses scattered in the centre of the upper margin as a result of flaking. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals extensive retouching to the sitter’s face and hair, to disguise a network of craquelure, and through the white cravat and cuffs. There is a vertical line of retouching, approx. 30cm. long, to a possible old repaired tear in the lower part of the coat. Further retouchings are found in the sitter’s back, and throughout the background, including in the area around the flaking. The painting is in overall moderate 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."

The present painting is based on Reynolds' portrait, probably painted in 1778, today in a private collection.¹
Robert Smith, 1st Baron Carrington (1752-1838) was born in Nottingham and was the eldest son of Abel Smith (1717-88). He became a partner in Smith, Payne & Smiths. On the death of his elder brother Abel in 1779 he succeeded him as MP for Nottingham, which he represented in five successive parliaments. Smith succeeded as head of the banking firm after his father's death in 1788. As an MP he was a follower and close friend of William Pitt the Younger, supporting him through his pocket boroughs of Midhurst and Wendover. In reward, in 1796 he was created Baron Carrington of Bulcot Lodge and in 1797 of Upton.

^{1. D. Mannings and M. Postle, Sir Joshua Reynolds, A complete catalogue of his paintings, 2 vols, New Haven and London 2000, text vol., p. 419, cat. no. 1642, plates vol., reproduced p. 494, pl. 1282.}