John Simpson (British, 1782-1847)

Inscribed on a label attached to the reverse, 'Self Portrait by John Simpson (1782-1847), My great great grandfather. John Simpson was for many years assistant to Sir Thomas Lawrence R.A. 1834 went to Lisbon. Appointed painter to Queen of Portugal.  For the National Gallery "Negro's Head", @ Windsor Castle Portrait of the Duke of Brunswick. GGF 1949.'

Further inscribed on fragments of an older label '***son's portrait, painter *** by himself *** artist who *** and finished all Sir Thomas ***ence's pictures after his death.'

Footnote
Simpson was born in London and went on to study at the Royal Academy, before becoming a studio assistant to Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830). The influence of Lawrence's style is striking but, despite his relative obscurity, Simpson enjoyed a large degree of success in his own right, painting William IV (1765-1837), Sir John Fleming Leicester (1762-1827) as well as artist Clarkson Stanfield (1793-1867).  

Simpson's painting, 'The Captive Slave', acquired in 2008 by the Art Institute of Chicago, was described by Art Historian Martin Postle as '... a painting of iconic status, which can be regarded today as his masterpiece and as worthy emblem of the aims and achievements of the Abolition Movement.'

Condition Report
The board is sound.
Paint surface is generally sound, some minor scattered lines of craquelure, visible on close inspection.  Also traces of an uneven varnish.
Ultraviolet light confirms uneven varnish and reveals minor infilling to sitter's face and some retouching to frame abrasions off upper border.  Held in a plaster gilt frame in fair condition.