Lot 76: [HANDEL, GEORGE FRIDERIC]--JENNENS, CHARLES ( 1700-1773, THE LIBRETTIST OF HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" ) .

[HANDEL, GEORGE FRIDERIC]--JENNENS, CHARLES ( 1700-1773, THE LIBRETTIST OF HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" ) .

Portrait of Jennens by Giles Hussey (1710-1788)

Condition Note:

the head and shoulders, in profile, drawn in red chalk with an oval background

c.25.5 x 18cms, on paper laid down onto a card backing, framed and glazed (overall size c.31 x 24cms), dated inscription on the backboard ("Charles Jennens Esq^r/ by M^r Hussey/ JBowdler/4 September 1794"), no date [probably 1760s], some early restoration in the lower third of the picture, some paper-loss at margins, a little foxing

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

CATALOGUE NOTE

Charles Jennens wrote the librettos for four of Handel's oratorios: Saul (1738), L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato (1740), Messiah (1742) and Belshazzar (1745). He was also a great patron and friend of the composer, subscribed to his editions and commissioned manuscript full scores of his unpublished works for his own use. For a portrait of Jennens by Thomas Hudson, see Handel. A Celebration of his Life and Times, edited by Jacob Simon, National Portrait Gallery (1985), no.181. For an autograph letter by Handel to Jennens, see our sale 5 December 2003, lot 90.

Giles Hussey (1710-1788) was an important draughtsman of profile portraits, mainly of Catholic families, and the Young Pretender in particular. He gave up painting in 1767 and retired to Dorset. Although Jennens was himself a staunch Protestant, he was, like Hussey, loyal to the deposed House of Stuart, and had several Jacobite friends and beneficiaries. Included in this lot is a copy of the will of William Jennens (1797), referring to Charles Jennens's estate at Gopsall in Leicestershire.

This image is not recorded in the new Dictionary of National Biography (2004).