- 164
Nathaniel Dance R. A.
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Nathaniel Dance R. A.
- Portrait of John Lee (1733-1793), Attorney-General, wearing legal robes
- signed with initials and dated upper left: N.D. p / 1770
- oil on canvas
Provenance
By descent from the sitter to his great-nephew, Charles Benjamin Lee-Mainwaring (1797-1874);
Thence by descent until anonymously sold, London, Sotheby’s, 12 July 1989, lot 41, to Thost on behalf of Dr. Rau for £3,500;
Bequeathed by Dr. Rau to the Foundation of the German Committee for UNICEF.
Thence by descent until anonymously sold, London, Sotheby’s, 12 July 1989, lot 41, to Thost on behalf of Dr. Rau for £3,500;
Bequeathed by Dr. Rau to the Foundation of the German Committee for UNICEF.
Condition
The painting is fresher in tone and lighter in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. he canvas has been relined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. There is a thin spidery craquelure overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals a few very minor scattered cosmetic flecks of retoucing. Otherwise the painting appears to be in good untouched condition apart from very minor retouching to old minor frame abrasion on the right most canvas edge and retoucing to an old vertical abrasion in the gown lower left measuring approx. 5 in. Otherwise the painting is in good ready to hang condition. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame in good 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."
"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
Born in Leeds, the sitter was the youngest of ten children of Thomas Lee, a cloth merchant, and his wife Mary Reveley. Called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn he rose to prominence following his successful defence of Admiral Augustus Keppel when he was tried by court-martial for his conduct at the Battle of Ushant in 1778. Known as "Honest Jack" for his integrity, he was appointed Solicitor General in 1780 and Attorney General in 1783. Lee also sat to Reynolds in 1786 (Private Collection).