Attributed to Giles Hussey

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Giles Hussey
Portrait of Georgiana, Countess Spencer (1737–1814); and Portrait of Georgiana, Lady Townsend (d. 1851)
stamped with the Spencer family's collectors mark (L. 2341)
pencil, the first on laid paper, together with a Portrait of Georgiana, Lady Townsend (d. 1851) by another hand
13.5 by 11 cm.; ;5 ½ by 4½ in.; 13.5 by 11.1 cm.; 5 1/2 by 4 1/2 in.

Provenance

The Hon. Ashley Ponsonby (1831-1898);
by family descent to his son Claude Ponsonby by whom sold in June 1908 (bt. L.C.);
W.A Walker by 1935;
Edward John, 8^th Earl Spencer (1924-1992);
by whom given to his wife Raine, Countess Spencer;
by whom sold, Bloomsbury Auctions London, 13 April 2006, lot 137

Condition

Both of these drawings are in very good condition. The paper has not discoloured and the medium remains strong. 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."

Catalogue Note

Margaret Georgiana, Countess Spencer was the fourth surviving child of Stephen Poyntz (bap. 1685-1750) and Anna Maria Mordaunt (d.1771). Her mother was Maid of Honour to Queen Caroline and her godfather was King George II. In December 1755 she married John Spencer (1734-1783), later 1^st Earl Spencer. Their three surviving children were all prominent members of Georgian society. Their son, the 2^nd Earl (1758-1834), served as First Lord of the Admiralty (see his portrait by John Downman earlier in this sale). Their eldest daughter, Georgiana (1757-1806), married the 5^th Duke of Devonshire, whilst their youngest, Harriet (1761-1821), married the 1^st Earl of Bessborough.

Georgiana Anne, Lady Townshend was the daughter of William Poyntz of Midgham, Berkshire and therefore Lady Spencer's niece. In April 1787 she married Lord John Townshend (1757-1833) of Ball's Park Herefordshire, second son of George Townsend, 1^st Marquess Townshend of Raynham (1723/4–1770). The present portrait dates from circa 1790.