John Singer Sargent 1856 - 1925

Quincy Adams Shaw, Jr. (acquired directly from the artist)
By descent in the family to the present owner

David McKibbin, Sargent's Boston, Boston, 1956, p. 123

This work is in very good condition. There is some light foxing, most notably on the left side of the paper. There is one small tear in the lower right corner, and one area of abrasion or possible water damage along the right center edge.
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.

Quincy Adams Shaw III (1896-1987) was a member of one of Boston’s wealthiest, oldest and most prominent families. Educated as a mining engineer at Harvard, Shaw spent most of his career working for the Calumet and Hecla Mining company, a major copper mining conglomerate founded by his grandfather and namesake, Quincy Adams Shaw.  In addition to serving on the boards of several other mining concerns, Shaw was also a decorated veteran of both World War I and World War II. The sitter’s family has related the story that while Shaw was sitting for Sargent, he was asked to remove his tie and undo the top button of his shirt. The proper Bostonian went as far as to remove his tie, but refused to go further and was most annoyed to have been asked.