- 162
Joseph Wright of Derby, A.R.A.
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Joseph Wright of Derby, A.R.A.
- Portrait of Christopher Alderson
- signed and inscribed on the reverse, probably in the artist's hand: Rev. Christ. Alderson/ B.D./ Aet. Suae/ 56/ Jh: Wright pinx./ 1794
- oil on canvas, unlined, in a painted oval
Provenance
By descent from the sitter until at least 1971;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 18 November 1987, lot 55.
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 18 November 1987, lot 55.
Literature
B. Nicolson, 'Wright of Derby: addenda and corrigenda', in The Burlington Magazine, vol. 130, no. 1027, October 1988, pp. 751-52, reproduced p. 752, fig. 37.
Condition
The unlined canvas is in seemingly overall excellent original condition. The varnish is yellowed and there is a very small degree of wear in some of the darker tones, but no visible restorations or damages. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals an opaque varnish that has been partially cleaned over the face and white cravat. There are a handful of small retouchings mainly to the sitters collar, and some to mask some old frame abrasions at the edges. There is a small 1x1cm circular restored damages in the back ground to the left of the sitters head. In otherwise very good overall condition.
Offered gilt wood and gesso frame in fair 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
This portrait was described by Nicolson as 'one of the most spontaneous and most successful portraits of his last years.' Alderson was inter alia a landscape gardener, favourite of Queen Charlotte, and an old friend of John Holland of Ford.