What characterises early 18th-century British portraiture?

Early 18th-century British portraiture is defined by formal aristocratic posing, elaborate period dress, soft facial modelling, and dark background tones that highlight the sitter. Works from this era often feature oval spandrel compositions framed by classical decorative mouldings.

What materials were commonly used in 18th-century portrait paintings?

Artists during this period primarily utilized oil pigments bound with linseed oil, applied to hand-woven linen canvas or wooden panels. Frames were constructed from carved timber finished with layers of gesso and water-gilded gold leaf.

How can you identify an authentic oil portrait from the early 18th century?

Authentic paintings from this period exhibit natural age-related craquelure across the paint layer, original canvas weave irregularities, hand-forged stretcher nails, and dark oxidisation on the reverse of the canvas or wood panel.

How can an antique oil portrait be styled in a contemporary interior?

A period oil portrait serves as a strong focal point above a fireplace mantelpiece or console table. Hanging historical portraits alongside modern abstract artwork creates a layered, eclectic aesthetic within both traditional and modern spaces.

How should an antique oil painting and gilt frame be cared for?

Keep the artwork away from direct sunlight, moisture, and sudden heat fluctuations. Dust the frame gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding liquids or chemical cleaners that could strip the delicate gold leaf layer.

for sale €15,795 $17,145

£13,500

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Early 18th Century Painting

Georgian Aristocratic Portrait

Id #SA1230912

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Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Name: Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1230912
Price: 13500 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Georgian Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle Of John Vanderbank

Early 18th-century British aristocratic portrait, circa 1730-1740, traditionally identified as Lady Lucy North, Lady Guilford, nee Montagu, and catalogued by Dreweatts as Circle of John Vanderbank (1694-1739).

The sitter is portrayed bust-length within an oval wearing a black gown enriched with crimson and white ornament and an elaborate pearl and feather headdress.

Lucy Montagu married Francis North in 1728. Their son Frederick North, Lord North, later became Prime Minister of Great Britain and led the government through much of the American War of Independence.

The Vanderbank Connection

Of particular significance, John Vanderbank painted Lucy's widower Francis North in 1736. The signed and dated portrait survives in the National Trust collection, establishing a direct connection between Vanderbank and Lucy's immediate family.

A larger three-quarter-length portrait traditionally identified as Lucy and likewise catalogued as Circle of John Vanderbank was sold at Christie's London on 11 July 2008, Lot 56.

Importantly, Christie's recorded that portrait as having descended through the Earls of Guilford. Christie's also referred to another oval portrait in a private collection apparently based upon the larger composition.

The Guilford family provenance belongs to the Christie's comparative portrait and is not provenance for the present painting.

Provenance

Private collection.

Dreweatts, Old Master, British and European Art, 18 October 2023, Auction 14591, Lot 87, catalogued as Circle of John Vanderbank, Lady Lucy Montagu, Countess of Guildford.

Acquired at the above sale.

Privately loaned & exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD collection.

Dimensions

Painting: approximately 34 x 29 cm.

Frame: approximately 43.5 x 39 x 4 cm.

Condition Report

The canvas has been relined. Fine age-related craquelure is visible throughout, together with expected historic surface wear and evidence of previous restoration and retouching.

The associated gilt frame displays age-related rubbing, marks and minor losses.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The framed portrait will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43.5cm (17.13")

Width

39cm (15.35")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this 18th Century Oil Portrait to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1230912

Dealers Internal Reference

CAC-SK-0153

Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

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We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

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(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

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If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.

Description

Georgian Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle Of John Vanderbank

Early 18th-century British aristocratic portrait, circa 1730-1740, traditionally identified as Lady Lucy North, Lady Guilford, nee Montagu, and catalogued by Dreweatts as Circle of John Vanderbank (1694-1739).

“

The sitter is portrayed bust-length within an oval wearing a black gown enriched with crimson and white ornament and an elaborate pearl and feather headdress.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

fig 1. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 1. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Lucy Montagu married Francis North in 1728. Their son Frederick North, Lord North, later became Prime Minister of Great Britain and led the government through much of the American War of Independence.

fig 2. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 2. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

The Vanderbank Connection

Of particular significance, John Vanderbank painted Lucy's widower Francis North in 1736. The signed and dated portrait survives in the National Trust collection, establishing a direct connection between Vanderbank and Lucy's immediate family.

fig 3. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 3. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

A larger three-quarter-length portrait traditionally identified as Lucy and likewise catalogued as Circle of John Vanderbank was sold at Christie's London on 11 July 2008, Lot 56.

Importantly, Christie's recorded that portrait as having descended through the Earls of Guilford. Christie's also referred to another oval portrait in a private collection apparently based upon the larger composition.

fig 4. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 4. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

The Guilford family provenance belongs to the Christie's comparative portrait and is not provenance for the present painting.

Provenance

Private collection.

Dreweatts, Old Master, British and European Art, 18 October 2023, Auction 14591, Lot 87, catalogued as Circle of John Vanderbank, Lady Lucy Montagu, Countess of Guildford.

fig 5. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 5. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Acquired at the above sale.

Privately loaned & exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD collection.

Dimensions

Painting: approximately 34 x 29 cm.

Frame: approximately 43.5 x 39 x 4 cm.

fig 6. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 6. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Condition Report

The canvas has been relined. Fine age-related craquelure is visible throughout, together with expected historic surface wear and evidence of previous restoration and retouching.

The associated gilt frame displays age-related rubbing, marks and minor losses.

fig 7. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 7. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The framed portrait will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

fig 8. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 8. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

fig 9. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 9. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

fig 10. An early 18th-century oil portrait of a young woman wearing a dark gown with slashed sleeves, presented in a square giltwood frame with an oval spandrel. — fig 10. Early 18th Century Oil Portrait Lady Lucy Montagu Circle of John Vanderbank

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.