Lot 176: RICHARD READ JUNIOR 1796-1862

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

PORTRAIT OF MRS JANE PENELOPE ATKINSON, NEÉ REIBEY

measurements note
8.6 by 7.3 cm., 3 1/4 by 3 in.

with curled hair, wearing a blue dress, white chemise, gold drop earrings and necklace, gilt-mount, red leather presentation case

inscribed on backing paper (verso): Painted by/R. Read/No. 89. Pitt Street/Sydney N. S. Wales /Novr 1832/Mrs J... Atkinson

NOTE

The sitter's mother Mary Reibey, née Haydock (1777-1855) is still remembered today because she features on the Australian $20 note. Born in Lancashire, she was arrested for horse stealing and sent to Australia to serve a seven year sentence. Following her release, she married Thomas Reibey who became a successful shipping magnate and philanthropist.

The artist Richard Read Junior was active in Sydney between 1819 and 1849. He was a successful miniature painter and exhibited at the 1849 Exhibition of the Society for the Promotion of the Fine Arts in Australia.