Sir William Beechey, R.A.

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 2 December 1976, lot 85;

Thereafter acquired by the present collector.

Although the identity of this sitter remains unknown, her unusual costume and accessories suggest she was a singer or actress. The artist's account books indicate that Beechey often painted thespians in character and celebrities including Sarah Siddons and Dorothy Jordon, his depictions of whom rank among his most celebrated works.

Sir William Beechey studied under Johan Zoffany at the Royal Academy in the 1770s, and he also drew inspiration from the elegant portraiture of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Beechey's style earned him the attention of the Royal Family: he became court painter to Queen Charlotte in 1793 and was knighted by King George III in 1798 for his impressive double portrait of the King and the Prince of Wales. Beechey would go on to work for Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester, and at the end of his career was portraitist to King William IV.