Lot 97: ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM HOARE OF BATH, R.A. | Portrait of Sir William Clayton, 4th Bt (1762-1834) when a boy, wearing a buff waistcoat and white shirt, holding a spade

oil on canvas

150.8 by 106 cm.; 59 3/8  by 41 3/4  in.

oil on canvas

In very good overall condition. The canvas is lined, the paint surface stable, and the varnish is clear and even. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some restoration along a horizontal line running the width of the painting 8 inches from the top margin. There are some other broad scattered strengthenings in the sky, but otherwise very little restoration work. The figure of Lord Clayton and the still life of objects, and landscape remain largely in their original condition. Offered in an 18th century French carved wood and gilt frame in good condition.
"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."

Richmond, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Painting in England 1700-1850: Collection of Mr and Mrs Paul Mellon, 1963, no. 255;
Washington, National Gallery of Art, Joseph Wright of Derby: A selection of paintings from the Collection of Mr and Mrs Paul Mellon, November 1969 - May 1970, no. 4.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Painting in England 1700-1850: Collection of Mr and Mrs Paul Mellon, 1963, no. 255, plates volume, reproduced pl. 219 (as by Wright of Derby);
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Joseph Wright of Derby: A selection of paintings from the Collection of Mr and Mrs Paul Mellon, Washington 1969, p. 22, cat. no. 4, reproduced;
F. Cummings, 'Joseph Wright at the National Gallery', in Art Quarterly, vol. XXXIV, 1971, no.4, pp. 475-81.

Painted for Sir Kenrick Clayton, 2nd Bt (1713 - 1769);
Sir Harold Clayton, 7th Bt Clayton, of Marden (1877–1951);
Paul Mellon, Pittsburgh (1907 - 1999);
His sale, London, Sotheby's, 18 November 1981, lot 31 (as by Wright of Derby).