[Beffin, Sarah] | An accomplished self-portrait "Painted by herself without hands" , [Beffin, Sarah] | An accomplished self-portrait "Painted by herself without hands"

[Beffin, Sarah]
"Miss Biffin. Painted by herself without hands. 1842."

Painting in gouache (295 x 224 mm), signed and dated by Beffin; not examined out of frame, small accretion to upper right corner. Matted, framed and glazed with Plexiglas.

A fine self-portrait from one of the most accomplished —and incidentally armless — artists of her time

"Sarah Beffin (Biffin, Biffen, Beffen) (1784-1850) was the best, most famous, and most important armless artist of her day, as attested by an exceptional gathering of broadsides and prints as well as original drawings, holograph letters, and a fine gouache self-portrait. Biffin created her drawings and paintings with her brush resting on her shoulder and controlled with her mouth." (Exemplars)

REFERENCE:
Exemplars, p. 240; LP&FW, pp. 63-67, 184

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.