William Holman Hunt, O.M., R.W.S., A.R.S.A.

By descent in the family of the sitter to Simon Webb, Macclesfield;
Chester, Phillips, 21 June 2001, lot 399;
Private collection

Judith Bronkhurst, William Holman Hunt, A Catalogue Raisonné, 2006, vol I (paintings), p. 91, cat. no. 8 

STRUCTURE This picture is on canvas laid on board and is in good condition CATALOGUE COMPARISON The illustration is broadly representative PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is sound with strong colouring throughout. There is craquelure throughout but the paint surface appears to be stable. There are cracks in the paint surface which suggest that the stretcher bars may have pressed against the paint surface and left impressions. This is only visible upon close inspection. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are infillings to the craquelure, particularly on the face and white areas of the man's clothing and a line of retouching above his head. FRAME: This picture is contained in a simple modern wooden 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."

In her review of Hunt's work Judith Bronkhust states that this was almost certainly Hunt's earliest existing portrait commission (the portraits of Old Hannah and of Henry Pollard now being lost). Bronkhurst has suggested that the sitter was William Pink listed in the London Post Office Directory in the 1840s as a moulder and figure maker at 31 Mary Street, Hampstead Road. A family Bible in the possession of the sitter's descendants states that William was born on 22 January 1809 the son of James and Elizabeth Pink and christened at the New Broad Street Independent Chapel in London on 16 February. The present portrait, which resembles the self-portrait painted c.1842 (whereabouts unknown but known from a copy within the artist's family) may date from the same year, or more likely the following year.