Lot 249: John Powell (fl.1759-1785)

Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds, small half-length, in academic dress signed 'J. Powell pinxit' (on the reverse) and inscribed 'John Powell - Portrait Painter and assistant to Sir J. Reynolds Exhibited in the Royal Academy from 1778 to 1785' (on an old label on the reverse) and inscribed 'Sir Joshua Reynolds' (on an old label on the reverse) and numbered '69' (on an old label on the reverse) oil on panel 81/2 x 7 in. (21.6 x 17.8 cm.) ENGRAVED J.K. Sherwin, 1784. NOTES Powell was Reynolds' assistant in 1778, frequently making copies of his works; he also exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1778 and 1785. The original of this portrait is recorded as being given by Reynolds to Lord Westmorland, but its present whereabouts are unknown.