Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Batoni, Portrait of James Fortescue (Christie's Old Master Preview)

January 21, 2011 by Marion Maneker

[audio:http://www.artmarketmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Batoni-Thomas-Fortescue-Alan-Wintermute-Christies.mp3|titles=Batoni, Thomas Fortescue (Alan Wintermute, Christie’s)] (Click on player to listen to audio)

From Christie’s catalogue:

Many of Batoni’s earliest British patrons were from Anglo-Irish families […] The pattern set in the years around 1750 was to be maintained for over thirty years and the builders of many of the great Irish houses of the period, including for example Headfort, commissioned portraits from Batoni. It may not be a coincidence that two other Irish sitters, Sir John Parnell, later 2nd Bt., and James Stewart of Killymoon, were also painted by the artist in 1767-68.

A fine example of Batoni’s controlled classicism, the present portrait is of the same year as two of the artist’s most masterly full-lengths, Sir Sampson Gideon and His Tutor, (Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria) and John, Lord Mountstuart, later 1st Marquess of Bute (Mount Stuart). Employing precise paint strokes and a high level of surface polish, Batoni renders Fortescue’s slightly amused expression with subtle vivacity, while the sitter’s striking emerald green coat and waistcoat is flamboyant in its flourish of lace and gold frogging — the artist’s control of fabrics never relaxes — making for a memorable and elegant image of youthful self-confidence.

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Christie’s Has Richard Feigen Collection in MayChristie’s Has Richard Feigen Collection in May
  • Christie’s Sells £11.4m Leyden Drawing to Benefit Rugby SchoolChristie’s Sells £11.4m Leyden Drawing to Benefit Rugby School
  • Van Dyck’s Portrait of Princess Mary Stars at Christie’sVan Dyck’s Portrait of Princess Mary Stars at Christie’s
  • Watch Salvator Mundi Become the Most Expensive Work of Art SoldWatch Salvator Mundi Become the Most Expensive Work of Art Sold
  • Christie’s Offers £25m Guardi in London This JulyChristie’s Offers £25m Guardi in London This July
  • London Old Master Sales = £37mLondon Old Master Sales = £37m

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Batoni, Christie's, Old Master

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...