Lot 11: Luke Sullivan , 1705-1771 Portrait of a lady, possibly Kitty Fisher

holding a small dog, wearing a green dress, with a pink drape and ribbons in her hair, silver-gilt and frame, blue enamel paillon reverse signed with monogram c.l.: LS / 1763

6.4 by 5.1 cm.; 2 1/2 by 2 in.

Foskett 1979/1989, p. 174, pl. 40H

Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 17 November 1975, lot 44

Kitty Fischer (Fisher) was the daughter of a German silver-chaser who had settled in Soho. By the time of her premature death, at the age of 26, she was one of the most celebrated courtesans in London, a consequence of her notable beauty and lively sense of humour. Her admirers were numerous, including Admiral Augustus Keppel, Admiral Lord Anson and General Ligonier. According to Horace Walpole she was recognized in a London park by both the young Prince Frederick William and his elder brother the Prince of Wales (later King George III). In 1766, to the disappointment of many, she married John Norris (1740-1811). She died, possibly of consumption, shortly afterwards.