- 72
David Martin
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- David Martin
- Portrait of David Leslie, 8th Earl of Leven and 5th Earl of Melville (1722-1802)
- signed and dated lower left: Martin Pinxt:/ 1782.
- oil on canvas
Literature
List of Portraits at Fettercairn House, 1924, p. 7 (Long Passage).
Condition
We are grateful to Christopher Bryant for proposing an alternative identification of this sitter. Mr Bryant notes that the sitters uniform is clearly identifiable as that of the 3rd Prince of Wales’s Dragoon Guards, c.1770. David Leslie was first commissioned in the 59th Regiment of Foot in 1775, and their uniform different. A more plausible identification for the portrait might be Lieutenant John Belsches of Invermay (born 1743) who purchased his commission as a Cornet in the 3rd Prince of Wales’s Dragoon Guards on the 8th October 1767, and retired 10 March 1773.
"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
David Leslie’s was a 'life, eminently exemplary' wrote General Robert Melville upon the Earl’s death in 1802.1 During his lifetime the 8th Earl of Leven and 5th Earl of Melville held a number of esteemed and varied posts, acting as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Scotland, Lord of Police (1772- 82), High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (1783–1801) and Grand Master of Scottish Freemasons (1759–61). In 1747 he married Wilhelmina, daughter of William Nesbit of Dirleton. Their daughter, Lady Jane Leslie Melville (1753-1829), was married to John Belsches Wishart, later Stuart (1752-1821) (see lots 311 and 313).
1. General R. Melville, cited in W. Fraser, The Melvilles, Earls of Melville, and the Leslies, Earls of Leven. Memoirs, Edinburgh 1890, p. 349.