Lot 9: John Raphael Smith (1752-1812)

Portrait of a Lady, traditionally identified as the artist's wife, half-length, in a black dress and large hat
with inscription 'By = J.R. Smith/1752-1812/Mrs. J.R. Smith.' (on an old label attached to the backboard, according to the previous cataloguing)
pastel, oval
10 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (26.8 x 22.3 cm.)

R. Edwards, 'J.R. Smith and his Pupils', Connoisseur, XCIII, February 1934, p. 97.

The Rt. Hon. F. Leverton Harris, 1924.
Mrs Leverton Harris; Christie's, London, 8 June 1928, lot 26 as 'Portrait of a lady' (25 gns to Smith).
J. Thursby-Pelham.
Mrs. Guy Argles and by descent until
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 7 November 1995, lot 69, where purchased by the present owner.

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

The sitter was the artist's wife, identified by Ralph Edwards in his 1934 Connoisseur article, though there is no comparative material on which to base this identification.

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.