British School, Late 18th Century
Pair of Bust Portrait Studies of Young Women
Unsigned, identified on labels from Thomas Agnew & Sons, London, affixed to the frame backings.
Oil on panel (oval format), 11 1/4 x 9 in. (28.5 x 22.8 cm), in oval frames.
Condition: Surface imperfections, fine craquelure, discolored varnish, surface grime.
Provenance: A Marblehead, Massachusetts, estate.
N.B. The label on the back states the owner is R.T. Paine of 6 Joy Street, Boston, which may refer to the Honorable Robert Treat Paine, Boston lawyer and philanthropist (1835-1910). This illustrious family used this name several times over the generations, beginning with Robert Treat Paine (1731 -1814), best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence as a representative of Massachusetts, Massachusetts's first attorney general, and an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Estimate $800-1,200
Although the labels on the reverse and notations on the fronts of the frames attribute these portraits to Joshua Reynolds, Dr. David Mannings reviewed the portraits via high reolution photographs and determined they were not by Reynolds.
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.