Lot 75
  • 75

JOHN SMART | Portrait of a lady, traditionally identified as Lady Chambers, née Frances 'Fanny' Wilton (1758-1839)

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Smart
  • Portrait of a lady, traditionally identified as Lady Chambers, née Frances 'Fanny' Wilton (1758-1839)
  • Watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, gold fausse-montre locket frame;signed with the artist's initials and dated lower left: J.S / 1792 / I
  • 63 by 49 mm.

Provenance

With Millhouse, Petworth, West Sussex, by 1979;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 July 1982, lot 162

Literature

Foskett, 1964, p. 64

Condition

In very good condition, having been protected by the locket cover.
"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

The sitter in this miniature has traditionally been identified as Lady Chambers. Once described by Samuel Johnson as ‘exquisitely beautiful', she was the daughter of Joseph Wilton (1722-1803), the sculptor and a foundation member of the Royal Academy. In 1774 she married the barrister Robert Chambers, later Sir Robert, and moved to India, where her husband had been appointed to the post of second judge of Bengal. He was finally appointed Chief-Justice in 1791.