Joseph Wright of Derby, A.R.A.

half-length, standing wearing a red coat and white waistcoat, with gold brocade, and black tricorn hat

Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 22nd April 1921, lot 56, as by Hudson

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching, particularly in the lower right of the canvas, and strengthening to the sitter's costume, as well as down the left side of his cheek. There is a slightly opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a gilded 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."

This portrait, one of Wright's early works, is an important addition to the artist's oeuvre. Painted in 1760 in Boston, Lincolnshire, the technique has strong echoes of Thomas Hudson, under whom Wright trained in the 1750s. The sitter was the son of William Thompson, and Mary Kerchever. By his first wife, Constantia, he had two sons, Cotton Thompson and Kerchever Thompson, both born in Boston in 1754 and 1756 respectively. He married secondly, in 1770, Elizabeth Stokes (b.1748), with whom he had a daughter, Elizabeth Thompson.

This portrait is recorded in Wright's Boston account book for 1760 as 'Mr Thompson'. According to the account book, 'Mrs Thompson' was also painted by artist.