For much to the 20th century, the sitter was held to be Sir Brook Watson, 1st Bt., Lord Mayor of London (1796–1797). This identification may have been perpetuated because of the manner in which the drapery covers the sitter's proper left leg; Watson lost his leg to a shark in Havana while at sea in 1749, but it was his right leg rather than his left. Furthermore, there is sufficient volume in the area of the left leg to suggest that the artist intended it to be perceived as present, albeit covered. The authorship of this portrait was traditionally given to the Anglo-American painter, John Singleton Copley. However, the painting can be more convincingly ascribed to Sir Nathaniel Dance-Holland, to whose portrait of Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford (c. 1773; National Portrait Gallery, London) the present picture bears a striking resemblance, above all in the treatment of the hands and costume. Post Lot Text This lot is offered without reserve which will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of the pre-sale estimate.
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The canvas is laid down on a board, which is supported with a cradle. The varnish is slightly cloudy. The paint is stable on the support, though the surface is slightly yellowed. Under natural light, a craquelure is visible over the flesh tones and some of the whites. Discolored touches of strengthening are visible in the background on the stone ledge at left as well as over repaired tears at upper center. 2 1⁄4 inch losses are visible at the lower right corner at the edge. Ultraviolet light does not easily penetrate the old varnish, but strengthening fluoresces slightly in the background in the upper right quadrant and in an area over his proper right shoulder in the background, and over a 1⁄2 inch area near his chin. The painting could be displayed as is, but would likely brighten with cleaning.