Collection of Ralph Winstanley Wood, Esq., of Pierrepont Place, Frensham
Crawford and Mary Wood Davison (his daughter and son-in-law)
Frederick and Eleanor Davison Cobb (their daughter)
Major John Winstanley Cobb (their great-grandson)
Sale:  Christie's, London, circa 1928-29
Knoedler Galleries, New York, circa 1928-1929
John Levy Galleries, New York, July, 1929
Robert Cluett, Jr., 1929
Acquired by the present owner, circa 1955

 

Canvas is lined. SURFACE: in generally good condition; while there is some compression from relining, there is good pigment retention in the lights--sitter looks lively, colors are crisp, good contrast; some thinning to dark background UNDER ULTRA VIOLET: face and figure are generally clean--a thin, horizontal line at sitter's chin (about 1 1/2 in. long); aside from this, a few pin-hole-like dots on his cheek; some repainting to the area around the brass buttons of his coat; strokes of inpainting along the upper right in background
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in Lancashire, England, Ralph Winstanley Wood (1745-1831) led a colorful life.  At a young age, he ran away from home to join the "Saucy Greens" a local regiment, eventually taking a commission with the 8th Hussars in India.  On the ship en route to India, he met his wife-to-be, Mary Margaretta Pearce (1746-1808).  They had three daughters.  After leaving the army, he became a salt merchant and amassed--then lost--a large fortune.
Of the present portrait, Albert Rosenthal, the collector and scholar of Stuart's portraiture wrote on October 15, 1929 that it is "a fine example of Gilbert Stuart's English period.  It is painted with unusual freedom, direct in drawing and crisp in execution, in fresh and brilliant condition and clean in colour.......An important addition to the list of Stuart portraits."
Offered together with a slim, leather-bound volume, whose contents are short biographical essays ꧟about the sitter and Stuart.