SIR GEORGE HAYTER | Saint Peter paying the tribute with a piece of silver found in a fish

Commissioned by John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford (1766–1831) to hang at Woburn Abbey;
Thence by descent to Hastings Russell, 12th Duke of Bedford (1888–1953);
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 19 February 1951, lot 179;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 8 November 1995, lot 113;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's South Kensington, 27 May 2004, lot 262.

London, British Institution, 1819, no. 248.

The canvas has a firm relining, the paint surface is slightly dirty, and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals spot retouchings throughout the flesh tones of all the figures, most notably in St Peter’s outstretched arm and hand, in the face of the man beside the soldier, and in the neck and shoulders of the man on the left. Further retouching to reduce the appearance of craquelure is scattered throughout, notably in the eyes of the man in the middle of the group on the left and in his cloak, in the soldier’s helmet and his belt, in the yellow cloak of the left-most figure, in areas of St Peter’s back, and throughout the background.
"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."

Hayter began his artistic career painting portrait miniatures but by his early twenties he was resolved to concentrate on painting in oils. Though best known as a portraitist, Hayter painted a number of subject pictures early in his career, many of which were exhibited at the British Institution where, in 1815, he exhibited his first major work, St Bernard. In the same year he exhibited The Prophet Ezra, for which he was awarded the Institution’s first premium. Lawrence was moved to write: 'a new Prodigy has started up at the British Institution.' Hayter was fortunate to have as his patron John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford. Bedford introduced Hayter to Canova, whose portrait he completed in Rome, and he encouraged the artist to go to Rome to study. In the autumn of 1816 Hayter set off for Rome and stayed there until early 1818. Whilst there he painted landscapes and academic drawings, but his major work was this impressive Tribute Money which gained him election as honorary member to Rome’s celebrated Accademia di San Luca.