Sir William Beechey R.A. 1753-1839

half length, wearing a black coat, green waistcoat and white stock, his left arm resting on a table 

Painted for Sir Henry Halford (1766-1844);
By descent to Sir Henry Halford, 3rd Bt., his grandson, by whom bequeathed to Thomas Freemantle, 3rd Baron Cottesloe (1862-1956);
thence by descent until 2006

J. Ingamells, Mid Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 246

STRUCTURE Original canvas. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good, original condition. There is some cracquelure, particularly to the head, which is characteristic of age. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals re-touching around the head, and small scattered areas in the lower part of the canvas and in the background. There has been some infilling of cracquelure to the left hand side in the background. FRAME Held in a gilt wood and plaster 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. 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."

Following his acquittal in 1795, Warren Hastings lived in retirement, mainly in Daylesford, his estate in Worcestershire. Beechey's portrait dates from 1813, the year Hastings came to London to give evidence to the House of Commons on the renewal of the Charter for the East India Company. When he had finished 'all the members by one simultaneous impulse rose with their heads uncovered and stood in silence till I passed the door of their chamber' (quoted in G. Gleig, Memoirs of the Rt. Hon. Warren Hastings, 1841, Vol. 3, p. 460). Another portrait of the sitter by Beechey was completed at Daylesford in 1814.

Sir Henry Halford was surgeon to George III, the Duke of Wellington, George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. He was also doctor to Warren Hastings and was his close friend at the end of his life.