Portrait of Sarah Buxton (after Thomas Gainsborough)
Painting on canvas • Follower or Copyist after Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788)
Style & Movement
Grand Manner / Neo-Classical Revival (Rococo influence)
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, featuring soft glazing and blended brushwork imitating the 18th-century Grand Manner style
Creation Period
19th Century (likely mid-to-late 19th-century copyist work)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 75 x 60 cm (30 x 24 inches); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
Half-length portrait of Sarah Buxton, seated against a dark, feathery landscape background typical of Gainsborough. She wears a silk gown with a sash and a copper-toned shawl, showcasing high-piled hair popular in the 1770s.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Restored). The work has been professionally lined and cleaned, though some surface flattening from the lining process may be present.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Reportedly sold through Christie's London (verified by owner's stencil/label indicators). Likely transitioned through private British collections during the late 19th/early 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the high demand for Gainsborough's aesthetic during the 19th century. While a copy, it demonstrates the technical skills of professional copyists who serviced the Victorian market for Georgian-style portraiture.
Notable Features
Features a Christie's London provenance mark. The execution of the shawl displays a sophisticated use of warm ochres and siennas, attempting to capture Gainsborough's characteristic 'cross-hatching' brushstroke.
Condition Issues
Visible craquelure consistent with age, historic lining (reinforcement of the original canvas), and evidence of old varnish removal and minor retouching in the skin tones.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable environment (45-55% humidity). Inspect for varnish yellowing over time; the current ornate gilt frame should be checked for structural stability.
Collector Notes
Painting after Thomas Gainsborough of Sarah Buxton. Probably painted in the 19th century. The painting has been restored and is lined. Provenance Christie's London pop