- 106
David Morier
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- David Morier
- A portrait of William Kerr, 4th Marquess of Lothian on a charger, his Aide-de-camp to the left, and a military encampment beyond
- signed and dated lower left: Morier Pinx:/1751, and inscribed with the identity of the sitter lower centre: Willm: Earl of Ancram Colonel of the 24 Regt. of Foot 1751/ COLONEL OF EYJJ REGIMENT/ OF DRAGOONS. 1752; with inventory number lower left: 281
- oil on canvas
Provenance
William Kerr, 4th Marquess of Lothian (1713-75);
Thence by descent.
Thence by descent.
Exhibited
London, New Gallery, (?) Royal House of Guelph, 1890 - 1891, no. 172.1
Literature
Newbattle Abbey inventory, 1833, no. 281 (Ante Room).
Condition
The painting is in good condition with no extant damages or loss of paint. The surface is clean and bright and the picture is more vibrant than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has an old lining which is still sound. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching to areas of minor old damage. These consist of retouching to the head of the main figure – in the left side of the face and through the lower jaw; scattered retouching in a number of places in the sky – consisting of restoration to an old diagonal tear in the upper centre, approximately 4 in. long, and further scattered retochings, the most notable of which are 4 areas in the upper right quadrant and one area centre left (just to the left of the figure in white); strengthening in the body of the horse; and scattered retouching in the lower section of the picture, to the foreground – including retouching to an old vertical scratch approximately 3 in. long, lower centre (amidst the inscription). There is no need for further restoration or retouching and the picture is ready to hang.
Held in a carved and gilded British rococo frame, in good condition.
"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 The Most Honourable Philip Henry Kerr, 11th Marquess of Lothian (1882-1940) was appointed British Ambassador to Washington in 1939, this painting travelled with him, and hung there until 1997.
1. There is a printed label on the stretcher: 'Hanover Exhibition at the New Gallery 1890-1891, no. 172.' However, the painting does not appear in the catalogue of the Royal House of Guelph exhibition, which opened at the New Gallery on 31 December 1890 and consisted of portraits and other works of art associated with the Hanoverian period.