- 31
William Grimaldi
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- William Grimaldi
- Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A. (1723-1792)
- signed l.r.: W / Grimaldi / 1811; inscribed u.l.: Sir Josh. Reynolds Kn:t / OB: FB: 23 1789 / AE 69., and further inscribed on backing paper verso: [Si]r Josh: Reynolds, / [Pai]nted in Enamel / Grimaldi; - / Painter in Enamel to His / R H: the Prince . Regent
- enamel, held in an ormolu frame
- 12.7 by 10.6 cm.; 5 by 4 1/4 in.
with powdered hair, wearing glasses, a dark coat, white waistcoat and cravat
Provenance
Stacey Grimaldi (1790-1863), second son of the artist;
by family descent;
Margaret Orton, her sale, Christie's London, 23 May 1989, lot 121;
Anonymous sale, Bonhams London, 18 November 2003, lot 134
by family descent;
Margaret Orton, her sale, Christie's London, 23 May 1989, lot 121;
Anonymous sale, Bonhams London, 18 November 2003, lot 134
Exhibited
London, Royal Academy, 1812, no. 626
Literature
A.B. Grimaldi, A Catalogue of the Works of William Grimaldi, 1873, no. 20
Condition
Excellent surface overall. There are two small firing bubbles, one in the background to the left of the sitter, the other in the fold of his right sleeve.
For further information regarding this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407)
mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com
emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Grimaldi has taken Reynolds' Self-Portrait, 1788, as his model for the present work (Royal Collection and Dulwich Picture Gallery, London) . The present work was executed by Grimaldi in 1811. In his notes he recorded that it 'took 46 days labour and is a very fine enamel'. It was fired a total of 23 times to achieve the rich and tenebrous quality of the original oil painting.
Edmond Malone (1741–1812) suggested that the above mentioned oils were 'extremely like him [Reynolds].... exactly as he appeared in his latter days, in domestick [sic] life' (see D. Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds, A Complete Catalogue of His Paintings, 2000, p. 51).