Sir Thomas Lawrence British, 1769-1830), "Mrs. Thomas Babington" (died 1845), circa 1811, half length, wearing a white empire gown with a peach shawl, jeweled brooch, hair tied in a scarf, written in script verso lining and possibly transposed from original: "Jean Babington 1811 Et L3/Wife of Thos. Babington of Rothley Temple Esq. M.P. Daughter of Revd John Macaulay/Sir Thos Lawrence fecit", oil on canvas, 30-1/8 x 25-3/8 in.; period carved and formerly gilt wood Maratta frame (frame style used by Lawrence); in 1787 she married Thomas Babington of Rothley Temple, Leicestershire. She was the aunt of the historian Lord Macaulay".My endeavours at the auction house on Saturday fell short, and this Lawrence slipped through my grasp. Bidding started at USD15,000 and the estimate suggested an upper range of USD30,000. It sold for USD41,000. I believe this is a fair market value, but it exceeded my limit by a sufficient margin. Another Lawrence (of the Earl of Abercorn) in the same sale sold for USD27,000, and although within my limit, was not sufficiently pleasing (to my eye) to bid on.
Columnist regrets too.
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