James Sparkes of the Indian Civil Service was the brother of Mrs Brodie and uncle of Sophia Price of Castle Madoc, Brecon. Engleheart’s fee book lists three portraits of members of the Sparkes family: in 1790 a ‘Master Sparkes’ (sold Christie’s, London, 29 November 2011, lot 123), a ‘Mr Sparkes’, also in 1790 (sold Christie’s, London, 12 November 1963, lot 122, and later Christie’s, London, 21 November 2000, lot 126) and a ‘Mrs Sparkes’ in 1796 (sold Christie’s, London, 12 November 1963, lot 123). See also G. C. Williamson and H. L. D. Engleheart, George Engleheart 1750-1829, Miniature Painter to George III, London, 1902, pp. 113-114.