Attributed to Katherine Read (British, 1723-1778) Portrait of a Lady, said to be Mrs. David Garrick

Description:

Attributed to Katherine Read (British, 1723-1778)

Portrait of a Lady, said to be Mrs. David Garrick
Unsigned, identified on a presentation plaque and on an auction label (see below) affixed to the stretcher.
Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Lined, craquelure, fine gold specks u.r., likely from frame gilding.

Provenance: Lord Auckland, 1870 Carrington; Christie's London, May 9, 1930; Mrs. Geoffrey Hart; 1972 Old Hall Gallery; through to James A. Williams; Sotheby's New York, Friday, October 20, 2000, Mercer House, Savannah: The Collection of The Late James A. Williams, Sale 7527, Lot 261; to a private Rhode Island collection.

Exhibitions: Brighton Art Gallery, Brighton, England, Paintings and Furniture from the Collection of Mrs. Geoffrey Hart, 1956, no. 146.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

One section of the stretcher bar has been cut away, and there is a shadow of a former label in the l.l. quadrant of the reverse.

The Sotheby's auction label states that the stretcher bore a stenciled inscription attributing the painting to Katherine Read and the sitter as Mrs. Garrick. This inscription is no longer evident.

There is no sign of recent retouch, although it appears that there might be old retouch on the sitter's forehead. Craquelure is subtle and stable.

Framed dimensions are 37 x 31 3/4 inches.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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