Lot Essay
The sitter was the younger son of John Hervey, 1st Earl of Bristol (d. 1750). He was styled Lord Hervey after the death of his elder half-brother, Carr, in 1723. A supporter of Walpole, he was made Vice Chamberlain of the Royal Household in 1730 and Lord Privy Seal in 1740, an office he held until 1742. His polished memoirs are an important source of information about political and court life of the time. He married in 1723 Mary Lepell (d. 1768), maid-of-honour to the Princess of Wales and a celebrated beauty. His eldest son, George William, succeeded as the 2nd Earl of Bristol.
This is a version of van Loo's full-length portrait, painted by 1741, of which a version is in the National Gallery, no. 167. Kerslake (op. cit.) records two other three-quarter-length versions; formerly at Ickworth and now in the Government Art Collection, and with Stoner and Evans, 1927. Kerslake tentatively identifies this picture with the portrait with A.W. Newton, USA, in 1931. This would appear to be confused since the ground in the quarterings of the royal arms is coloured in this version.
This is a version of van Loo's full-length portrait, painted by 1741, of which a version is in the National Gallery, no. 167. Kerslake (op. cit.) records two other three-quarter-length versions; formerly at Ickworth and now in the Government Art Collection, and with Stoner and Evans, 1927. Kerslake tentatively identifies this picture with the portrait with A.W. Newton, USA, in 1931. This would appear to be confused since the ground in the quarterings of the royal arms is coloured in this version.