The diverse range of portraits from the 18^th century, and the many different reasons (be it sitter, artist and decorative appeal) for which they can be sought after, means that the market for such traditional works has remained strong.  Buyers range from collectors of a particular painter to clients wishing to decorate their homes.  Indeed, the often fresh, subtle palette of 18^th century portraits means that they can work well even in more modern interiors, as well as helping to creating a period English country house aesthetic which continues to grow in popularity.  And, of course, it is not uncommon for the descendants of a sitter to reunite themselves with their ancestor!

Lot 174, Portrait of an officer, head and shoulders, in a red coat and armoured breastplate, attributed to Charles Bainville, estimate £1,500 - £3,000.

At the Fine Sale at the end of the month, we have a fantastic selection of portraits from the period, including two magnificent ‘swagger’ military portraits, each from different ends of the century, which look sure to attract plenty of attention.  The earliest, Lot 174, a portrait of a dashing, mystery French nobleman attributed an obscure artist, highlights how period portraits can be enticing on aesthetic appeal alone. 

Conversely, Lot 173, a large and impressive full length military portrait believed to be by the well-known American-born artist Mather Brown, depicting an Officer of the Windsor Foresters, is an imposing and important addition to the artist’s oeuvre which could well attract interest from both sides of the Atlantic.

Other, smaller scale 18^th century portraits in the Fine Sale are appealing for a more intimate portrayal of their sitters.  Lot 178, an interesting family portrait of Mrs Lock with her two sons, captures a sensitive moment between a mother and two children which, interestingly, is likely based on earlier Italian models. Similarly, a small pastel study of a lady by the Irish artist Hugh Douglas Hamilton demonstrates how the best artists can use this delicate medium to give spontaneity to their subjects.

Lot 178, Portrait of Frederica Augusta Schaub, Mrs William Lock, with her children William Lock the Younger and Charles Lock, attributed to Giovanni Battista Cipriani, estimate £1,000 - £1,500.

Lot 175 an oil on canvas of the famous French enlightenment figure Voltaire by Simon-Bernard Lenoir (himself primarily known as a pastelist), represents a significant re-discovery in Voltaire’s iconography.  Here, delicate details, such as the wig powder falling on the sitter’s shoulder, provide the portrait with an immediacy that brings it to life. Another lifelike portrayal is provided by Lot 164 by John Opie, where the subject’s pose, bold brushwork and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow give the work a striking realism and intensity.

Lot 164, Portrait of 'Mr Wilson' in a black jacket, holding spectacles, before a red curtain, by John Opie, estimate £3,000 - £5,000.

Although from a similar era, these portraits demonstrate the rich and varied way in which artists have immortalised their sitters and why 18^th century portraiture continues to have enduring appeal to a wide range of collectors.

To view the paintings available in The Fine Sale, please click here