George Romney

(British, 1734-1802)

A Study for Mirth, c. 1770

pen and ink on paper

7 ¾ x 6 ¼ inches.

Property from the Collection of F. Alan Cummings, Tallahassee, Florida

We thank Alex Kidson, author of George Romney, A complete catalogue of his paintings, 2015, for his assistance with cataloging this lot.

Provenance:

Thomas Deans Fine Art, Tallahassee, Florida and London

Lot note:

The drawing on the recto is an autograph study by Romney for Mirth, exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1770. The two vignettes in the right margin (covered partially by the frame mat) are studies for the subsidiary group of girls playing musical instruments on the left hand side of the composition. On the verso is a rough idea for the figure of Major Pierson, in the painting Major Pierson and the Brahmin, which was exhibited in 1771.

Framed: 10 3/4 x 8 inches.
Toning to sheet throughout, with some uneven toning around image perimeter and in two areas along upper edge; sheet hinged to backing board in two areas along left verso edge; thin line of brown staining along all edges; small paper losses along left edge; two hinge remnants on upper verso edge; small fill repair to paper in center verso, not visible on recto.

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American and European Art

A Study for Mirth, c. 1770

American and European Art

A Study for Mirth, c. 1770

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