Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
Inscribed lower right 'Sarah Wilson'. The sitter depicted within a feigned oval.
Ramsay often employed the famous specialist drapery painter Joseph van Aken.
The frame is a work of art in its own right, beautifully carved by a master craftsman.
The later inscription claims the sitter to be Sarah Wilson, by repute the daughter of Christopher Wilson and heiress of Bradyll Dodding (1689-1748) of Conishead Priory, Cumbria. She married John Gale of Highcap Castle and had three children - Thomas Richmond Gale, Henry Richmond Gale and Margaret Gale.
Her sister Mary married into the Wharton family.
ALLAN RAMSAY 1713–1784.
Ramsay was born in Edinburgh. His father, also Allan Ramsay, was an important Scottish poet from whom the younger Ramsay inherited a tradition of strong nationalistic pride. Ramsay junior was instrumental in formulating a native Scottish style of painting, as his father had done for poetry.
Ramsay studied in London at St Martin's Lane Academy and at Hans Hysing's studio, before going to Italy. He worked from 1736 to 1738 at the French Academy in Rome under Francesco Imperiali and under Francesco Solimena in Naples. On his return he settled in London, although he continued to be active in Edinburgh. Between 1754 and 1757 he was in Italy, mostly in Rome. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1743. During his prime period he had a virtual monopoly on court painting. He became the official painter to George III in 1760, and Principal Painter-in-Ordinary in 1767. His assistants included David Martin, Alexander Nasmyth and Philip Reinagle.
SIZE: 37.5 x 32 inches including the frame.
PROVENANCE: Deceased estate of a former Derby solicitor, who owned the portrait for 40 years.
VERSO: Old trade label of Aiken Dottson, Castle Street, Edinburgh.
Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Portrait Said to Be of Sarah Wilson C.1750; Attributed to Allan Ramsay.
