- 129
John Smart
Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John Smart
- Portrait of James Taylor
- Watercolour on ivory;
signed with initials l.r.: JS. / 1787 / I - Watercolour on ivory
- 5.7 by 4.2 cm; 2 1/4 by 1 5/8 in.
Wearing a dark brown coat, with a white waistcoat and jabot secured with a jewelled pin, gold frame, glazed hair reserve with initials: JT
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 24 July 1978, lot 268;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 16 April 2008, lot 53 (£22,000)
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 16 April 2008, lot 53 (£22,000)
Literature
D. Foskett, John Smart, The Man and his Miniatures, 1964, p. 74
Condition
This miniature has been well preserved. Although there may have been some minor fading to the more delicate pigments, the colours have generally been well preserved.
"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
When Lord Cornwallis was appointed Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in India in 1786 he set about endeavouring to eliminate corruption in the East India Company. One person subject to his scrutiny was James Taylor. Taylor had arrived in India in 1764. He gradually rose through the ranks of the Civil Service, from writer in 1771, to junior merchant in 1776 and ultimately senior merchant in 1790. In 1792 however he was suspended from the Service, along with Mr Holland, for arranging unofficial loans to the Nawab of Arcot. In judgement Cornwallis summarised that 'he [Taylor] allowed consideration of private interests to interfere with his public duty' (British Library, IOR/H/£^&, p. 168). Taylor returned to England the same year although he was not listed as 'out of service' of the East India Company until 1800.