British School Portrait

(18th century)

Portrait of a Gentleman, wearing a rose velvet coat and waistcoat, circa 1755-1760, oil on canvas, 29-3/4 x 25 in.; 18th century carved and gilt wood frame, 36-1/8 x 31-1/4 in.

Provenance: Ex-collection Mr. Barton of Exmouth, Devon, England (labels verso); Arthur Ackerman & Son, London (label verso); Clement Ellis Conger (1912-2004), director of the U.S. Department of State Office of Fine Arts; Collection of a Virginia Gentleman

Note: Labels verso identify the sitter as Charles Brandling, however, this portrait does not appear to be his likeness. It also does not fit the description of the second portrait (D. Mannings 245), commissioned by Brandling and described as "three quarter length, canvas, 50 x 40 in., in plain dress and gray coat" (G & C p.112).

This painting was formerly in the collection of Clement Ellis Conger who "was an American museum curator and public servant. He served as director of the U.S. Department of State Office of Fine Arts, where in that role he worked as curator of both the Diplomatic Reception Rooms and Blair House. He also served as Curator of the White House, at the pleasure of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. Prior to working as a curator, Conger served as a Foreign Service Officer, as the Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States and as the Assistant Secretary of the Combined Chiefs of Staff." (Clement Conger - Wikipedia)
Condition Report: lined with paste and linen, craquelure, scattered retouch; frame restored and regilt