Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.

Commissioned by the sitter circa 1778;

Thence by descent to the present owner.

London, Royal Academy of Arts, 1779, no. 254;

Edinburgh, on loan to Scottish National Portrait Gallery, December 1970;

Glasgow, City Art Gallery & Musuem, 1972.

J. Reynolds, The Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Knight;....to which is prefixed an account of the life and writings of Edmond Malone Esq., London 1798, vol. I, p. xxiv;

A. Graves and W. V. Cronin, A History of the Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, London 1899-1901, vol. III, p. 943;

E. K. Waterhouse, Reynolds, London 1941, p. 70;

L. de la Torre, The Heir of Douglas, London 1953, p. 65, reproduced;

D. Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds: A complete catalogue of his paintings, New Haven and London 2000, text volume, p. 436, cat. no. 1718, the engraving reproduced, image volume, p. 496, fig. 1288.

The catalogue illustration is largely representative, though the flesh tones are not quite so warm. The painting appears to be in good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals strengthening in the sitter's nose, and a small amount in the lips. There is also a very poaque old varnish overall. Held in a glazed gild wood British Baroque style frame, with the identity of the sitter engraved on a plaque. 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.
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Andrew Stuart was an eminent lawyer, in 1770 he was appointed Keeper of the Signet of Scotland. In 1790 he married Margaret Stirling (see lot 215) and together they had three daughters.

ENGRAVED:

In mezzotint by Thomas Watson.