Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries

Sarah Biffin, later Mrs Wright

Self-portrait

Restricted Species

Live auction begins on:

July 1, 09:30 AM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Sarah Biffin, later Mrs Wright

(Quantoxhead 1784 - 1850 Liverpool)

Self-portrait

Watercolour and bodycolour on ivory;

signed and inscribed lower right: Paintd [sic] by / Sarah / Wright

158 by 145 mm

This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated by multiple governments and international organisations around the world, including through prohibitions, restrictions and licensing and / or registration requirements. Different regulations apply to buyers, depending on their individual circumstances and the relevant auction / sale. Sotheby’s therefore recommends that, before taking any action in relation to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers obtain advice on the regimes and requirements applicable to them. Sotheby’s will also not conduct any applications for buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations or similar that may be required, including the renewal or update of the same, or arrange for import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer’s inability or delay to obtain necessary documentation, or lawfully arrange the export or import of the lot will not justify sale cancellation or a delay in payment. This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict or prohibit the import of certain items to protect wildlife conservation. Please note that Sotheby’s will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US.A buyer’s inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

Mary Modesta Watts (1913-1997), by at least 1960,

thence by family descent

Looking directly out at the viewer, Sarah Biffin, one of the most remarkable artists of her day, wears a striking jet-black dress and feathered head-dress, which contrasts dramatically with her embroidered, off-white shawl, her coral necklace, her earrings and her rich surroundings.

Sarah Biffin's history is a remarkable one. Born in Somerset without hands, arms or feet, she taught herself to paint holding the brush between her teeth. In circa 1797 a travelling showman, named Emmanuel Dukes, persuaded her parents to allow her to tour the country with him – exhibiting her talents (and disability) – for a salary of £5 a year. In 1808 she came to the attention of William, 16^th Earl of Morton, who organized for her to receive lessons in London from the Royal Academician William Craig (d. 1827). Setting up a studio on Bond Street, she soon became very fashionable, in high demand from the aristocracy and receiving the patronage of the Royal family. In later years she was awarded a civil pension by Queen Victoria and retired to marry in Liverpool.

Throughout her life Miss Biffin painted self-portraits, the earliest dating to 1812 (Wellcome Collection, London). Judging by her youthful appearance and the fact that she has signed the present, previously unrecorded work, using her married name, Wright, it is likely to have been painted during the mid-1820s.¹

^1.Sarah Biffin married William Wright in September 1824.