Attributed to Alessandro Longhi

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Alessandro Longhi
Portrait of a gentleman, said to be Sir William Stuart, 2nd Bt. (d. 1777), three-quarter-length, wearing dark red with lace sleeves; and his wife, Lady Stuart (d. circa 1779), three-quarter-length, wearing a blue dress and holding a red flower in her left hand
the former inscribed on the reverse of the canvas: Sir William Stuart / Bar^t. / son of Daniel Stuart + Marg^t. / Wisheart / died at Paris / Dec^r 1777.; and a 19th century label pasted onto the canvas lower left: Sir Will^m Stuart B^t/ Died 1777 Grand- / Uncle of Sir John Stuart Bart
the latter inscribed on the reverse of the canvas: Lady Stuart / a noble Venetian / spouse of Sir W^m. Stuart / died at Paris / cir^c 1779.; and a 19th century label pasted onto the canvas lower right: Lady Stuart / a Noble Venetian
a pair, both oil on canvas, in carved and gilt wood frames
Each 47in by 35½in

Both half length, he wearing a green coat, red cloak and white stock, she wearing a yellow dress with a blue cloak, holding a flower in her left hand

Literature

List of Portraits at Fettercairn House, 1924, p. 10 (Long Passage);
Possibly J. Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish travellers in Italy, 1710-1800, London 1997, p. 911 (as painted in Venice, circa 1740).

Condition

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: 1.Sir William The original canvas is lined. The paint surface is inherently insecure and unstable with discernible recent loss and flaking. There is a small amount of tenting of the paint layer indicating that the original canvas has become detached from the lining canvas. Previous restored paint loss is visible to the surface. Many areas of the paint surface are well preserved and the original paint texture to areas such as the sitter's stock, hair, jacket and lace cuff are in a good original preserved state. The varnish is in a very degraded and discoloured condition and belies the strength of colour of the paint beneath. 2.Lady Stuart The original canvas is lined and the paint layer also has some instability with recent minor paint loss . Areas of older discoloured restoration can be detected. Similarly, there are areas where the paint texture is well preserved. Removal of dirt and discoloured varnish to the surface would significantly improve overall tonality.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."