- 315
Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A.
Description
- Thomas Lawrence
- Portrait of Charles Binny (1747-1822)
- oil on canvas, unfinished
Provenance
George A. Hearn(1835-1913), New York;
Anonymous sale, American Art Galleries, New York ,1st March 1918, lot 396 (bt. by F. Ball);
Frank C. Ball (1881-1948), Muncie, Indiana;
Ball Brothers Foundation, Muncie, Indiana, 1936;
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 1995
Condition
"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
The present sketch is an unfinished study for the head of Sir Charles Binny in the triple portrait, painted by Lawrence with his two daughters, sold in these rooms, 13th March 1985, lot 73 (see Fig 1.).
The son of William Binny, a farm manager from Forfar, Charles made his fortune in India, where he served from 1769 as English Secretary to Mohammed Ali Khan Walajah, Nawab of the Carnatic (also known as Nawab of Arcot), until the latter's death in 1795. The Nawabs ruled a vast area of Southern India, centred around Madras and lived in the sumptuous Chepauk Palace which was set in 121 acres of manicured gardens, designed by Paul Benfield. Charles later returned to England, where he established himself as agent and confidential correspondent to Mohammed Ali's son, Umdat-ul-Umbrah Bahadur, the last Nawab of the Carnatic.
Charles died in 1822 in Howland Street and there is a marble memorial plaque dedicated to him in St John's Wood Church, extolling his 'benevolent and amiable virtues'.