Jeremiah Meyer R.A.

wearing a pink dress, with pearls in her hair and drop-pearl earrings, gilt-metal frame, wood backboard

Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 12 December 1966, lot 63;
Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 29 November 1977, lot 73

Foskett 1979/1989, p. 375, pl. 108B

Ivory ground. There are a few very pale brown foxmarks in the sky and a further one or two spots of dry mould on the flesh areas. A dull bloom on the underside of the glass, somewhat lessens the clarity of the image. The wooden backboard is detached.
"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."

Elizabeth (Eliza) was the daughter of the Very Revd Ball, Dean of Chichester. She married the celebrated poet William Hayley (1745-1820) in Chichester Cathedral on the 23^rd October 1769. Sadly, by 1780 the marriage was in difficulty, and William had had an affair with Miss Betts, the daughter of his former nurse. By 1786 Eliza's mind had become deranged and in 1795 the pair were divorced. She died in November 1797.  

William Hayley and Jeremiah Meyer were well acquainted. In 1770 they co-wrote an opera, entitled The Trial of the Rock. However the production never reached the stage and ultimately the venture ended in failure.