John Downman A.R.A.

Sale, London, Christie's, 11 November 1958, lot 161; to Walter Brandt

London, Royal Academy, Annual Exhibition, 1806, no. 427;
Suffolk, Ickworth House, Exhibition of Early English Water-colours of the Great Period, 1968, no. 25

G.C. Williamson, John Downman A.R.A., London 1907, p. lxv

This work has been well preserved and carefully presented. The watercolour pigments have remained strong and fresh. There are three very small scratches to the surface of the sheet. The first is located at the extreme edge of the painted surface, near the lower left hand corner, the other two are in the background to the right of the sitter's shoulder. There are occasional areas of surface dirt and paper-staining at the extreme edges of the sheet, however these defects are hidden below the current amount and do not effect the image. The sheet has not been laid down.
"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."

The sitter was born at Lifford, County Clare, Ireland circa 1750. He entered the army in 1766 and served for seventeen years in the Forty-Seventh Foot. In 1773 he travelled to America and served with distinction in the American Wars of Independence. In 1777 he was taken prisoner at Hubbarton and only returned home to Ireland after his release in 1782. In 1783 he went to the Twenty-Fourth Foot and was promoted to Major-General in 1796. In 1801 he succeeded Sir Alured Clarke K.B. (1744-1832) as Colonel of the Fifth Foot. In his civilian life, he married Anne O'Brien, daughter of James O'Brien of Ennistymon, County Clare and in 1803 he was appointed Governor of Plymouth