John Hoppner, R.A.
London 1758-1810
Portrait of Charles Moss, Archdeacon of Colchester and Bishop of Bath and Wells
oil on canvas
canvas: 50 by 39¾ in.; 127 by 101 cm.
framed: 61¼ by 51⅜ in.; 155.6 by 130.5 cm.
Condition Report
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 25 June 1924, lot 73;
Yates G. Smith and Hal. H. Smith, Jr.;
By whom gifted to the Detroit Institute of Arts, 1960;
By whom deacessioned, 1998;
Thereafter acquired by the present owner.
Literature
W. McKay and W. Roberts, John Hoppner, R.A., London 1909, pp. 175-176 (as known only from an engraving);
The Detroit Institute of Arts, A Checklist of Paintings, Detroit 1965, p. 54.
Catalogue note
Charles Moss was an esteemed Anglican clergyman born in 1711 in Postwick, England and later educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. In addition to serving as the Chaplain to the King (1758-1766), Moss held many clerical positions, including Archdeacon of Colchester (1749-1766), Bishop of Saint David's (1766-1774) and Bishop of Bath and Wales (1774-1802). He died in 1802 at the age of 90.
In this portrait, Hoppner has recorded Moss as an elderly man with his cane resting between his legs and against his chest and his spectacles held in his right hand. He is shown in his clerical robes, seated in a red chair set against a crimson curtain.
This portrait by Hoppner was engraved by Sir William Reynolds in 1801. Another portrait of Charles Moss attributed to Hoppner is today in the collection of the Bishop's Palace & Gardens in Wells.
John Hoppner, R.A.
London 1758-1810
Portrait of Charles Moss, Archdeacon of Colchester and Bishop of Bath and Wells
oil on canvas
canvas: 50 by 39¾ in.; 127 by 101 cm.
framed: 61¼ by 51⅜ in.; 155.6 by 130.5 cm.
The canvas has an old lining and is stable on its stretcher. This painting has not been recently restored. The overall image presents relatively well beneath an old, discolored varnish, and there is a rather prominent pattern of craquelure visible throughout. Diagonal stretcher bar marks visible in all four corners, and some frame abrasion at the extreme edges, though largely covered by the frame. The sitter’s head has survived in relatively good condition, but other elements have lost some definition with age, including his dark coat and the reds of the background. A small repair in his chest to the right of the cane and another in the background to the right of the sitter’s head. Inspection under UV reveals a very thick milky varnish that impedes inspection, and beneath which there may be an older campaign of restoration. No recent retouching fluoresces. Offered in a decoratively carved gilt frame with some nicks and losses.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 25 June 1924, lot 73;
Yates G. Smith and Hal. H. Smith, Jr.;
By whom gifted to the Detroit Institute of Arts, 1960;
By whom deacessioned, 1998;
Thereafter acquired by the present owner.
W. McKay and W. Roberts, John Hoppner, R.A., London 1909, pp. 175-176 (as known only from an engraving);
The Detroit Institute of Arts, A Checklist of Paintings, Detroit 1965, p. 54.
Charles Moss was an esteemed Anglican clergyman born in 1711 in Postwick, England and later educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. In addition to serving as the Chaplain to the King (1758-1766), Moss held many clerical positions, including Archdeacon of Colchester (1749-1766), Bishop of Saint David's (1766-1774) and Bishop of Bath and Wales (1774-1802). He died in 1802 at the age of 90.
In this portrait, Hoppner has recorded Moss as an elderly man with his cane resting between his legs and against his chest and his spectacles held in his right hand. He is shown in his clerical robes, seated in a red chair set against a crimson curtain.
This portrait by Hoppner was engraved by Sir William Reynolds in 1801. Another portrait of Charles Moss attributed to Hoppner is today in the collection of the Bishop's Palace & Gardens in Wells.
