Francis Cotes R.A.

With Spink and Son, London, 1931;
Spencer Bickerton, New York, 1932;
With M. Harris and Sons, London;
William Goadby Loew, New York;
His deceased (anonymous) sale, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 27 April 1956, lot 320 (as a Portrait of Captain Charles Knowles);
There purchased by P. Bader;
Acquired circa 1960 by Joseph A. Patrick.

London, International Art Galleries, January 1931, no. 146.

Art News, Vol. 29, no. 19, 7 February 1931, p. 19;
E.M. Johnson, Francis Cotes, Oxford 1976, p. 63, cat. no. 89 (as datable to circa 1758-1762).

The picture has an old relining. Overall this painting is in very favorable condition. The work appears slightly dirty, which may be due to an older, slightly discolored varnish. This varnish does appear somewhat milky under UV. UV light reveals only a couple minor retouches. There is some broad retouching in the upper left corner in the black smoke, as well as a small patch in the center of the top edge, which may be due to older frame abrasion. Otherwise, the figure and boats are in very good condition and do not appear to have any retouches. The painting may benefit from a light clean or new varnish, but is in overall good condition. In a carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Captain Edward Knowles was the son of Admiral Sir Charles Knowles, Bt. (circa 1703-1777) and his first wife Mary, daughter of John Alleyne, Esq. of Barbados.  Edward, who was in command of H.M.S. Peregrine,  was lost at sea when the ship went down in a storm in 1762.

This portrait (along with lots 105 and 110 in this sale) once belonged to William Goadby Loew (1876-1955), a prominent New York stockbroker and society figure.  He and his wife, Mrs. Florence Baker Loew, built one of the last (1932) and most elegant mansions in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood of New York at 56 East Ninety-Third Street (now part of The Spence School). Upon Mr. Loew's death in 1955 all three portraits, which hung in his New York residence, were sold at auction (see Provenance).