Ozias Humphry

wearing a plum-coloured coat, a red waistcoat trimmed with gold, and a white cravat, gold slide frame, the reverse engraved: R:O. / OB: 1775 / "Belov'd, 'till Life / Could Charm no more, / and Mourn'd, ''till / Pity's self be dead. ", inset in later gold openwork frame with brooch fitting

W.H.T. Ottley, his sale Christie's London, 2 May 1961, lot 51 (as English School)

 

 

Ivory ground. This miniature is in very fine colour and surface 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."

This miniature may be connected to a preparatory sketch by Humphry of '- Otley [sic], Esq.' which formed part of lot 400 in a sale held by Sotheby's in 1846 of the collection of the artist's natural child, William Upcott.

The Gentleman's Magazine of October 1775 recorded the sitter's death, on the 20^th of that month, 'at his house in Argyll St, Richard Ottley, Esq. in the forty-sixth year of his age'.

This miniature is presumably one of those cited by Humphry in an invoice dated April 1772: 'Mr Otley [sic] for four pictures £50 8s'.