Angelica Kauffmann, R.A.

Ruth Klein Stone (1931-2003), New York;
From whose descendants acquired by the present owner.

The picture is in good, stable condition, and the catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been lined, which is providing effective support for the work, and there is no extant damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered a small amount of minor retouching and there is infilling to craquelure in the flesh tones. The picture is therefore in good, stable condition and is ready to hand. No further restoration or conservation is required. 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.
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."

James Masterson was the son of an Edinburgh Merchant, and in 1742 he was recorded as a Lieutenant in the 1^st Regiment of the Foot Guards. After serving with the Hanoverian army during the defeat at the Battle of Falkirk to the Jacobites in 1746, he became an aide-de-camp and confidant to Prince William, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765). His close proximity to the Duke allowed him to recommend his close friend Lawrence Dundas (1710-1781), 1^st Baronet, to fulfil the supply of goods to the British Armies. Both men prospered greatly from these contracts, with Dundas amassing a recorded fortune of £900,000 by his death.¹

By 1761 Masterson had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and became Deputy Adjutant-General for Ireland. His military career continued to flourish, as he went on to serve with the Duke of Cumberland in Portugal and Germany during the Seven Years War. Masterson was to retire from Cumberland’s staff in 1762 with the rank of General, and continued a political career as MP for Stirling Burghs in 1768. His friendship with Dundas petered out after a costly electoral contest for the seat of Stirling, in which Masterson was eventually defeated. Masterson resided in London at 4 Sackville Street and died unmarried on 7 August 1777.

We are grateful to Dr. Bettina Baumgätel and Dr. Wendy Wassyng Roworth for endorsing the attribution to Angelica Kauffmann.

1. E. Burke, The annual register, or a view of the history, politics and literature for the year 1782, London 1782,  p. 214.