Lot 647
  • 647

John James Masquerier

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
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Description

  • John James Masquerier
  • Portrait of Miss Bristow, half length, with a white dress and red cloak falling from shoulders
  • oil on canvas
  • 29 7/8  by 25 in.; 75.9 by 63.5 cm.

Literature

R. R. M. Sée, Masquerier and his Circle, London 1922, p. 183.

Condition

The canvas is lined. The paint surface appears to be pressed as a result of the aforementioned lining. Inspection under UV light reveals retouching throughout the face with some smaller retouches in the form of inpainting of craquelure to her neck and chest. Other scattered retouched spots appear on her red shall and gown. The background has some retouching of paint along the lower left and upper right, as well as throughout the outline of the figure. The paint surface is stable and can be hung as is. The canvas is presented in an elaborately carved gilded wood frame with some minor nicks.
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.

Catalogue Note

John James Masquerier was a British painter, who mostly worked on portraits. Many of the sitters he portrayed had ties to the theatrical world as a result of his group of friends, which included Joseph Grimaldi, one of the greatest clowns in English history.1 His second wife, Miss Bristow, the Drury Lane actress, is the subject of this portrait.2 1. R. R. M. Sée, Masquerier and his Circle, London 1922, p. 32.
2. Ibid, pp. 33 and 183.