- 180
Attributed to François Dumont
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- François Dumont
- Portrait of Charlotte Stuart, Duchess of Albany in profile; Portrait of Charlotte Stuart, Duchess of Albany in the guise of a vestal virgin
- the latter bears an old paper label affixed to the reverse of the stretcher, inscribed: Dumont François Miniaturiste
- a pair, both oil on canvas, within painted ovals
- Each: 9 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches
Provenance
Anonymous Sale, Paris, Gros & Delettrez, December 18, 1992, lot 14 (as Attributed to François Dumont).
Condition
Both canvases are in good condition and have been relined, the paint surfaces are stable. The varnish covering each is old and yellowed, hindering an inspection under UV, and they would benefit from a light clean and revarnish in order to freshen the images. The figure facing right has a superficial, translucent, drip deposit running through the head dress and hair of approximately 3 1/2 in. and a very minor dark surface deposit on the shoulder.
Both offered in carved gilt wood frames.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Francois Dumont was best known as a painter of portrait miniatures though he also produced numerous history subjects, also on a small scale. He became a member of the Academy in 1788, exhibiting regularly at the Salon from 1789 until 1830.
These two depictions of Charlotte Stuart, Duchess of Albany (1753-1789) are after portraits by Hugh Douglas Hamilton (Dublin circa 1740-1808) of which there are numerous versions. Among these are versions of the profile portrait facing right in the Musée Fabre in Montpellier (pastel), in the Rosebery collection, and the Seafield collection. Versions of the portrait facing left, with differences to her costume and headdress and without the brazier, can be found in Waddesdon Manor (pastel), the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Powis Castle.
The sitter was the illegitimate daughter of Charles Stuart the Young Pretender and Clementine Walkinshaw.