Lot 47: Robert Hunter fl.1752-1803 , Portrait of a nobleman, probably Nicholas Loftus, Viscount Loftus of Ely (c.1687-1763) oil on canvas

three-quarter length, seated, wearing a blue velvet jacket and with red robes of office under his left arm oil on canvas

measurements note 124 by 97.5 cm., 48¾ by 38½ in.

THE PROPERTY OF LORD WIGRAM M.C.
The sitter was the only surviving son and heir of Henry Loftus of Loftus Hall by his second wife, Anne, daughter and heiress of Henry Crewkern of Exeter, Devon. He was Member of Parliament for Fethard, for Clonmines, and for County Wexford. He was created Baron Loftus of Ely in 1756, and in 1757 he was appointed Governor of County Wexford. He married firstly in 1706, Anne, sister of Brabazon, 1st Earl of Bessborough, second daughter of William, 1st Viscount Duncannon, by Mary, daughter of Randal Moore. He married secondly, Letitia, widow of his cousin, Arthur, 3rd Viscount Loftus of Ely. He died in Dublin in December 1763.