- 209
John Greenhill
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John Greenhill
- Portrait of a lady, traditionally identified as Lucy Sherman
- Black chalk and pastel on buff-coloured paper
- 205 by 160 mm
Provenance
Probably Edward Burman Adams;
sale, London, Christie’s, 14 March 1978, lot 114 (as by Sir Peter Lely);
with John Morton Morris;
from whom acquired in 1979 by the late Colin Hunter
sale, London, Christie’s, 14 March 1978, lot 114 (as by Sir Peter Lely);
with John Morton Morris;
from whom acquired in 1979 by the late Colin Hunter
Literature
C. Hind, 'Collecting Early Watercolour and Pastel Portraits', Antique Collecting, XXVI /5, London 1991, p. 10;
N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, London 2006, p. 213
N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, London 2006, p. 213
Condition
This rare drawing has survived well for its age. While the paper has darkened with time, the medium has remained strong. Both the upper left and right corners of the sheet have been replaced. The sheet is laid down to a backing support.
"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
Although John Greenhill was born in Somerset, by 1662 he was working as an apprentice in the London studio of Sir Peter Lely. Five years later, he had set up independently as a portraitist and he rapidly developed an impressive clientele which included bishops, admirals, peers as well as the King and his brother. George Vertue records contemporary praise for his ‘heads in crayon’, which were executed ‘with great skill and perfection equal to any master whatever’.1 We are grateful to Neil Jeffares for his help in cataloguing this work.
1. N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, on-line edition.
1. N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, on-line edition.