18TH CENTURY ENGLISH PORTRAIT OF CATHERINE WHITELOCKE - ATTRIBUTED TO GEORGE KNAPTON (1698-1778)

A fine early 18th century oil on canvas portrait of Catherine Whitelocke (d.1722) attributed to George Knapton (1698-1778)

The attractive sitter is depicted half length within an oval cartouche, her head slightly inclined. She wears the preferred costume of aristocratic ladies of the period, which comprises a plunging silver grey silk dress with scalloped shoulders. and full sleeves which are held up by woven gold cord. A blue silk wrap around her shoulders and cornflowers in her hair and auriculas at her bosom.

Catherine Whitelocke (d. 1722) Catherine was the daughter of John Dolben (1662-1710) who was an English barrister and Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1707 to 1710. He was deeply involved in the impeachment proceedings against Dr Henry Sacheverell in 1710, and his work on the impeachment is said to have contributed to his early demise. Catherine married Samuel Whitelocke, grandson of Bulstrode Whitelocke at Westminster Abbey in 1703.

George Knapton (1698-1778) English portrait painter George Knapton was a pupil of Richardson. He was in Italy 1725–32 and in 1736 he became a foundation member of and official painter to the Society of Dilettanti, a social club for gentlemen who had visited that country. His 23 portraits of his fellow members (1741–9, several still in the possession of the Society) are considered his finest works.Most of them show the members in fancy dress.

Knapton had a great reputation as a connoisseur and from 1765 until his death he was Surveyor of the King's Pictures. By the time of this appointment he seems to have given up painting. Cotes was his most important pupil.

This fine portrait is in an excellent state of conservation and is ready to hang in a particularly fine antique carved and gilded late 17th century ‘Lely’ style frame with floral motifs.

Higher Resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available.

Canvas: 25" x 30" / 64cm x 76.5cm. Frame: 37.5" x 32" / 75cm x 81.5cm.

 SOLD