WILLIAM WOOD (BRITISH, 1769-1810)

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

Details

WILLIAM WOOD (BRITISH, 1769-1810)
A pair of miniatures: a lady and gentleman believed to be of the Arbuthnot family; she, in white dress and fichu with white hairband in her curling hair, sky background; he, in blue double-breasted coat, white waistcoat and knotted caravat; sky background
she: signed on the reverse 'By / Will Wood, / of / Cork [....]'
on ivory
ovals, 3.1/8 in. (79 mm.) high, gilt-metal frames

Provenance

Mrs M. M. Otway.

Literature

He: W. Wood, Memorandum of Miniatures painted and finished by William Wood, of the Royal Academy, London, [unpublished manuscript in the Victoria & Albert Museum], no. 5786.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Katharine Cooke

kcooke@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2343

Lot Essay

The male sitter appears in William Wood's manuscript (no. 5786) as 'Mr Arbuthnot of Edinburgh'. The miniature was started on 22 August 1800, finished two days later and delivered on 31 of the same month, for '4 Gns & 4 Gns'. He is described as having a 'blue coat', 'good healthy complexion', 'powdered hair', 'looking off, & shows front' and aged 'about 33'.

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