Studio of Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A.

Said to have been presented by the sitter to Rt. Hon. Anthony Blake in 1828;
By descent to Colonel Martin Blake (1839-1900);
From whom bequeathed to his sister, and from her to her grandson, Helenus White of County Limerick, Ireland;
Howard Young, New York;
Max Safron, New York;
Anonymous sale, St. Louis, Missouri, Selkirk's, 1993.

London, New Gallery, Victorian Exhibition, 1891, no. 111 (lent by Col. Blake).

R. S. Gower, Sir Thomas Lawrence, London 1900, p. 106;
W. Armstrong, Lawrence, London 1913, p. 109 (where it is confused with the full length at Plas Newydd);
K. Garlick, 'A catalogue of the paintings, drawings and pastels of Sir Thomas Lawrence', in Walpole Society, vol. XXXIX, Glasgow 1964,  p. 21.

STRUCTURE The canvas has a relatively firm lining. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint, and is fairly represented in the catalogue illustration. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals the remnants of an old discoloured varnish which has been partially cleaned, as well as scattered small flecks of minor retouching in the flesh tones of the sitters face. There are further minor retouchings to two small areas to the right of the sitters head and to an area in the background to the left of the sitters head beside the ear. There is also a small repair approximately one inch long on the left side of the sitters chest. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded Rococo style wooden frame baring a plaque with the sitters name. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@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."

This painting is an exceptionally fine studio version of the full length portrait which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1817 (Plas Newydd, Gwynedd, Wales). The picture is believed to have been presented by Anglesey to the Rt. Hon. Anthony Blake, a close friend of the family who looked after their Irish estates in the 1840s (Anglesey Papers). A brilliant cavalry commander Anglesey saw extensive military service in both the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, famously losing his right leg at Waterloo when he was hit by a cannon ball during the final stages of the battle, whilst riding beside Wellington.