Lot 49
  • 49

Sir Thomas Lawrence P.R.A.

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Sir Thomas Lawrence P.R.A.
  • PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG OFFICER
  • signed and inscribed on an old label verso: Be pleased to keep away / from the Damp & from dust / T Lawrence AE 13. / 178.3. 
  • pastel with touches of black chalk
  • 28.5 by 23 cm.; 11ΒΌ by 9 in.

Provenance

W.E. Spooner;
Anonymous sale, Phillips London, 17 April 2000 lot 196

Condition

The pastel has remained in good condition. There is some evidence of tiny amounts of mould which has formed on parts of the sitters coat visible on close inspection. The paper has buckled a little, which in turn has caused a very small area of the pastel to rub against the glass. 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

As a young boy Thomas Lawrence lived with his parents who ran a coaching inn near Bath. Clearly talented from this young age, he drew the passing travellers who stopped at the inn and this soldier may have been one such sitter. Lawrence was only 13 years old when he drew this work. To capitalise upon their son's talents, the family later moved to  Bath and sent Lawrence to London in 1787 where he entered the Royal Academy schools at the earliest possible age.  Works from such an early period of Lawrence's creativity are rarely to be found today.