I am delighted to inform you that we have been successful in identifying both the artist and sitter in the portrait of the young boy that you recently discovered at Stoney Grove. The painting is attributed to Samuel Coleburne, an amateur portraitist who lived and worked in London from the 1750s through the 1780s. The subject, George Rawlins, was the eldest son of a well-to-do Essex merchant, Edmund Rawlins. He was eight years old when the painting was commissioned in 1766.

The portrait was auctioned at our London gallery in 1953 at the direction of a descendant of Edmund Rawlins. Mr. Basil Hall of Stoney Grove purchased the piece for 457 pounds.

Whilst it is difficult to be sure when viewing a photograph, it appears that the frame is not the original, and has been replaced subsequent to Mr. Hall’s purchase. Given that the painting has been stored in less-than-ideal circumstances for an undetermined period of time, I would advise you to have a conservator evaluate its condition and take the appropriate steps to preserve it. If you are in need of further guidance, I am proud to add that we do employ an excellent staff of curators, conservators, and appraisers.

I look forward to being of continued service.

Most sincerely,
Edward Breight-Laughton
Assistant Curator of Fine Arts
Sotheby’s

Just a reminder that your paper is due to the discussant (Erol Greeson) by September 1.   Hope it is in its usual brilliant shape.  Mary and I have had a wonderfully quiet summer.  I went to Sacramento in June to the WMH meetings, and caught up with all the usual suspects. We've been to the beach house and are now back home where I've spent the past few weeks polishing off my manuscript for the U. of Toronto Press.  I imagine you've had a relaxing summer as well...enjoy.

Dave

Am dying of curiosity here.  Did you apply for the job?  Have you heard back?