PIERRE-JOSEPH LION | Portrait of Henry Fiennes Clinton, 9th Earl of Lincoln, later 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme (1720-1794); together with his wife Catherine, Countess of Lincoln (1727-1760)

By descent in the sitter's family at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, until at least 1937

Birmingham, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 1958

W.J. Hipkin, Descriptive Catalogue of the Pictures, Pastel Drawings, Water-Colour Drawings, Engravings, & c. belonging to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber House, Worksop in the County of Nottingham MCMIV, London 1923, no. 356 (473 and 474);
J. Ingamells, National Portrait Gallery, Mid-Georgian Portrait 1760-1790, London 2004, p. 360;
N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, J.486.223 & J.486.224, on-line edition

Portrait of Henry Fiennes Clinton: Laid down on thin board. Sheet has yellowed slightly. There is a faint stain in the upper right corner and a few tiny light brown stains, barely visible. Chalk remains strong and vibrant. Catherine, Countess of Lincoln: Laid down on thin board. Light staining around the edges of the sheet. A light yellow stain at the right margin, at the level of her head. Chalk remains strong and vibrant. Both drawings are framed.
"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."

These two portraits date to circa 1770, a time when Pierre-Joseph Lion, who was Belgian by birth, had moved to England and was known to be working for the Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Lady Lincoln died in 1760, and it has been suggested that her portrait is a copy after a lost pastel by William Hoare of Bath, R.A. (1707-1792). We are grateful to Neil Jeffares for his help when cataloguing this lot.