GEORGE ENGLEHEART (BRITISH, 1750-1829)

Provenance
Sotheby’s, London, 4 June 1973, lot 65;
Sotheby’s, London, 20 January 1975, lot 47;
Private collection, UK

Literature
This or another version, G. C. Williamson and H.L.D. Engleheart, George Engleheart 1750-1829, London, 1902, p. 98 recording the date of the sitter’s portrait being made in 1796.

Footnote
Another version of the present miniature by Engleheart was sold Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 25 November 2009, lot 37 from The Merchiston Collection.

The sitter was the fourth son of Sir Charles Grey (1729-1807), 1^st Earl Grey. He is listed as Major in the 85^th Foot on 23 January 1796 and Lieutenant Colonel in the 12^th Regiment of Foot on 20 January 1796 on transfer from the 85^th Regiment of Foot. He served at Cape Town where he was struck down with a life-threatening illness. The Duke of York wrote to Grey’s father on 18 February 1797 with news from an officer in Cape Town that his son had been ill but that his surgeons were optimistic about his recovery. However, he died soon afterwards at the age of 26.

Condition report
Possibly a little discolouration to the background and upper centre, above face.
Otherwise appears in generally good condition, with no obvious faults.

The present work will be on view at Cromwell Place, SW7 2JE, 21 & 22 March, 11am-5pm