Lot 625: O/C Portrait, Napier of Scotland, with Armorial Dish

Scottish School, mid 18th C. oil on canvas painting of a gentleman identified en verso as Napier of Ballikinrain, possibly William, the 7th Lord Napier (1730-1775); or James Napier, a prosperous Glasgow merchant who built the oldest part of the existing Ballikinrain Castle; or his son John. The bust length portrait depicts a man turned in three quarter view and wearing a powdered wig and dark green velvet coat, with silk vest having ornate gold embroidered trim and buttons. Unsigned. In a later, Rococo style giltwood frame. Sight: 29 in. H x 22 1/2 in. W. Frame: 38 in. H x 32 in. W. This lot is accompanied by an armorial porcelain soup plate with magenta border having gold trim and center crest (used by members of the Napier family), a hand-painted profile portrait of a man with banner and motto, VIRTUE GLORIA PARTA. Plate dates first half 19th century. Diameter 9 in. Note: The lands of the Ballikinrain were granted to members of the Napier family in the mid 14th century. The oldest part of the existing Ballikinrain Castle is thought to have been built in the 18th century by James Napier, a prosperous Glasgow merchant. His son, John continued the family business. The Castle passed into the Dunmore family’s hands when John Napier died, as his daughter, Janet, had married Robert Dunmore. 

PROVENANCE: Private Alabama collection; portrait and dish were acquired through a Napier family descendant.

CONDITION: Painting is on the original canvas (not lined) and has craquelure throughout, including an area of impact crackle lower left. Several spots of retouch are visible under UV light inspection, with a concentrated area in the lower nose/upper mouth region. Frame is likely later; it has been re-gilt and has scattered losses to gilding at several corners. Armorial plate overall good condition with several scattered very tiny spots of wear to magenta and gilding.