Hugh Douglas Hamilton

half length, wearing a dark coat and white jabot

Probably commissioned by the sitter;
Probably given by him to John Scott, 1st Earl of Clonmell;
by descent to Rupert Charles Scott, 7th Earl of Clonmell;
by descent to his daughter, Audrey Moulie Estelle who married Henry Christian Seymour Coombe, Scardroy Lodge, Scotland;
by descent until bought by the present owner

STRUCTURE The canvas is unlined. There is one tear to the canvas in the lower left, approximately two in. long on the vertical, and there is a small puncture hole left of centre, in the lower section of the canvas. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are area of dirt to the face and neck of the sitter, and there is an old, discoloured varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the condition reported above and reveals no recent retouching. FRAME Held in a re-gilded period wooden frame. A professional conservator's report on the restoration of this painting is available via the department.
"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."

Born at Donnybrook, County Dublin, the third and youngest son of Robert Downes (1708-1754) and his wife Elizabeth Twigg, the sitter graduated from Trinity College, Dublin in 1773, and was admitted to the Middle Temple the same year. Called to the Irish Bar in 1776 he acquired a reputation for industry and competence, successfully defending the future Major-General Gillespie against charges of murder. In 1790 he was elected Member of Parliament for Donegal, and two years later was made a puisne judge of the Irish King's bench.

In 1803 he was promoted to Chief Justice of the King's Bench, following the murder of the previous encumbent, Viscount Kilwarden, and in 1806 he became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dublin. He died unmarried at Merville, near Stillorgan, on 3rd March 1826, and was buried in the vault of St Anne's Church in Dawson Street, Dublin, alongside the body of his friend and colleague William Tankerville Chamberlain (1751-1802).

A full length portrait of the sitter in judicial robes by Hamilton was engraved by Henry Brocas.