Francis Cotes R.A.

three quarter length wearing a green suit with gold trim, holding a tricorn in his left hand and a walking stick in his right, in a landscape

by descent from the sitter to Sir James Langham 15th Bt (1932-2002);
until sold by his widow Dowager Lady Langham, Hok Fine Art at Slane Castle, 27th September 2004, lot 179;
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 16 June 2005, lot 232

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in excellent condition. There is some very light cracquelure consistant with age. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals minor re-touching to the sitter's face, hands and to the background above his head. FRAME Held in a British Neoclassical 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."

The sitter took the name of his wife, Elizabeth daughter of William Jones of Ramsbury, to become Sir William Jones of Ramsbury. This portrait presumably dates from 1769 when the larger version of this portrait was painted (Private Collection).  The provenance for this painting has previously been confused with that of the larger version which descended from the sitter to Sir Francis Burdett 7th Bt., of Ramsbury Manor, Wiltshire. Johnson suggests that the latter was painted as a pendant to a portrait of Lady Jones now in the National Gallery of South Australia (see, E.M. Johnson, Francis Cotes - Complete Edition with a Critical Essay and a Catalogue, 1976, p. 98, no. 282).