Lot 129: Large O/C English 18th C. Portrait, Martha Benet Legh of Lyme Park as Diana

Circle of James Fellowes (English, 1690-1760), large oil on canvas historiated portrait of Martha Benet (d. 1787) as Diana the Huntress. Benet stands in a wooded setting and looks toward the viewer as she holds a spear in her left hand. A dog looks up at her from lower right and a European Goldfinch perches at upper left. With Benet heraldic lozenge with three lion’s heads at lower left. Unsigned. With handwritten label affixed to stretcher that reads “Martha daughter and heiress of Thomas Benet Esq., of [Lathrope Wells?] Wife of Peter Legh Esq. of Lyme Park, Cheshire.” Also with Chapman Bros. Chelsea, London framer’s label affixed to stretcher. Unsigned. Housed in a giltwood frame. Sight: 49 1/2 in. H x 39 1/2 in. W. Framed:  61 1/2 in. H x 51 1/4 in. W. 18th century. Note: Martha Benet, the heiress of Thomas Benet of Salthrop, married Peter Legh (1706-1792) of Lyme Park. A 1740 portrait of Benet by James Fellowes is in the collection of the Royal Trust, Lyme, Cheshire (NT 499978) and the couple’s home at Lyme is now owned by the UK National Trust. 

PROVENANCE: The Estate of George Bradley, Lewisburg, TN.  

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with fine craquelure throughout. Canvas has been lined. With multiple campaigns of restoration that include old retouching primarily to frame abrasions, especially lower right corner, and background, largest above bird, 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch, and upper center near edge, 3/4 inch x 1/2 inch, and a few spots in clothing. Frame with losses and abrasions, primarily not visible frontally.