Lot 42: Théodore Gardelle (Swiss, 1722-1761)

A Lady, wearing blue sleeveless dress with white underslip and red ribbons, fur cloak over her right shoulder and small straw hat trimmed with flowers
enamel, gilt-metal frame
Oval, 46mm. (1 7/8ins.) high ,
The Collection of the late Sir St. Clair Thomson; Sotheby's, 9th November, 1944, lot 17
The M. Papier Collection, no.122

Gardelle was born in Geneva, and studied there and in Paris. He arrived in London, c.1759 and lodged at the Golden Head near Leicester Fields (Square), where he practiced as a painter of portraits and miniatures. He murdered his landlady, Mrs. King and cut her up and burnt her. For this he was imprisoned where he attempted suicide before being executed in the Haymarket, 4th April, 1761 and hung in chains on Hounslow Heath.