Giles Hussey

head and shoulders, looking to the left, in armour, feigned oval

Lord Hartwell, M.B.E., T.D. (1911-2001);
His executors sale, Christie's London, 31 October 2002, lot 6

The medium has remained fresh. There are several skilfully repaired tears within the sheet. One located within the background at the upper left hand corner. Another is in line with the sitter's mouth. A third is in line with the right hand shoulder. And a further two located within the armour. The sheet has suffered from some minor discolouration and at the extreme edges there are four areas of black ink which may be associated with previous mounting. The sheet has been laid down. 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."

Giles Hussey was born in Dorset but received his early education in France. A devote Catholic, between 1733 and 1737 he lived in Rome and was closely connected to the Jacobite court. His contemporaries held him in the highest esteem, one describing him as the 'most celebrated master in drawing in Rome' (see J. Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish Travellers in Italy 1701-1800, 1997, p. 540).

The present drawing is one of a small series of known portraits of the 'Young Pretender' by Hussey. Here the Prince is depicted wearing highly polished armour and the Sash of the Order of the Garter. He is represented as an iconic, dashing and heroic figure  whom Jacobite supporters could admire.

Lord Hartwell, a previous owner of this drawing, served as managing editor of the Financial Times between 1937 and 1939. He was awarded a life peerage in 1968.