John Wollaston (New York/South Carolina/England, 1710-1775) Portrait of the Honorable Edward Byng, Esquire, 1742

Description:

John Wollaston (New York/South Carolina/England, 1710-1775)

Portrait of the Honorable Edward Byng, Esquire, 1742
Inscribed and the subject identified on the reverse.
Oil on canvas, 38 x 47 1/2 in., the subject shown three-quarter length and holding plans for a military fortification, in an old giltwood frame.
Condition: Evidence of old restoration.

Provenance: Purchased out of a British house sale in 1970; to a private collection, Savannah, Georgia; to Craig and Tarlton, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina; to the current private collection, 1973.

Note: A 1973 letter written by the North Carolina dealer who sold this to the consignor indicates that the Byng family produced "numerous military leaders, high government officials, and a colonial governor. Edward's father, George Byng (1663-1733),was knighted by Queen Anne. The back of the canvas is inscribed in full: "The Honorable Edward Byng, Esq., fifth and youngest son of Right Honorable George late Viscount Torrington. Pinxit May 1742."
Estimate $8,000-12,000

Inscription on stretcher indicates that the canvas was remounted in September 1914. Uneven varnish layer; areas of retouch on left side above the fortification, the u.l. and u.r. corners; spots of retouch below the nose and on lower lip; retouch along the edge of coat tail at l.r., along the bottom edge of the sitter's left cuff and a small area at the back of the sitter's left sleeve.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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