Thomas McIlworth 1720 - 1770

This portraits appear to retain their original frames attributed to the carver John Welch (1711-1789). 

Descended in the family;
Mrs. David Edgar, Bedford, Massachusetts (descendant);
Vose Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts;
Richard Kimball, Manchester, New Hampshire;
William Varrika Fine Arts, Newport, Rhode Island.

Significant restoration throughout on both portraits. Both portraits are wax-lined. Some areas of inpainting in areas of the face and bust on female sitter. Appear to be in period frames, not on original stretchers. See department for detailed condition notes.
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.

Ona Curran, who compiled the catalogue raisonné of McIlworth’s work, provided the following information to Anita Schorsch:

David Edgar was a well to do fur trader who lived in Albany. He had a brother who lived in New York City. Both came to New York from Belfast. David married Jane Gregg who was born in Scotland. They were married in 1753.

Thomas McIlworth, a New York portrait artist was active from 1757 to 1770. He painted members of wealthy landowners of New York – including members of the Stuyvesant, Morris, Curzon, Livingston, Van Rensselaer and Schuyler families (see Ona Curran, Thomas McIlworth: Colonial New York Portrait Painter (Esperance, NY: Art Books Press, 2007), pp. 38-39, illus. figs. 8,9).