George Romney

half-length, seated, wearing a white dress and cap

by descent from the sitter to her grandson T. W. Webber, of Kellyville, Athy, Ireland;
by descent to Colonel O Webber, who sold it to Agnew's;
bought by Charles Sedelmeyer, by 1907;
with New House Galleries, New York from whom purchased by the present owner

London, Grafton Gallery, 1900, no. 86;

The Sphere, 14 July 1900 (full page illustration);
H. Ward & W. Roberts, Romney, 1904, vol. II, p. 159;
to be included in the forthcoming catalogue raissoné of George Romney by Alex Kidson

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There has been some very minor rubbing overall and there are some minor abrasion marks to the upper left edge of the canvas where it meets the frame. There is a very small line visible in the upper section of the canvas, running through the background, where the canvas appears to have been folded previously. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a layer of new varnish overall. FRAME Held in an elaborately carved and gilded 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 was the eldest daughter of William Tighe M.P. for Rossana, County Wicklow and his wife Marianne, daughter and heir of Daniel Gahan, M.P. of Croquil, County Tipperary. Her brothers Henry and William, had earlier sat to Romney and Elizabeth is recorded sitting to Romney on the 31st July 1793. Her mother appears to have commissioned each portrait and Mrs Tighe subsequently sat to Romney in 1795 for her own portrait. Elizabeth married the Reverend Thomas Kelly, of Kellyville, Athy, Ireland in 1796.