John Hoppner RA (1758-1810) Portrait of William, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844), head and shoulders, in a black coat and white stock Oil on canvas 74 x 62cm Provenance: Sworders, 25 February 2011, Lot 625, where acquired by the vendor; Wood Hall, Arkesden, Essex. Lowther was briefly Member of Parliament for Appleby in 1780, for Carlisle from 1780 to 1784 and for Cumberland from 1784 to 1790. In 1796, he was returned as Member of Parliament for Rutland, holding the seat until 1802. In that year, he inherited by special remainder the titles of Viscount Lowther and Baron Lowther from his third cousin once removed, the Earl of Lonsdale of the first creation, as well as his immense estates. He was also appointed to the northern Lord Lieutenancies of Cumberland and Westmorland. In 1807 Lowther was himself created Earl of Lonsdale and appointed a Knight of the Garter. A coal magnate, he spent £200,000 on the Lowther estate and built a new Lowther Castle. A Tory in politics, he seems to have been tolerant and well-liked, disdaining sabbatarianism and serving as patron for a number of painters and authors, including William Wordsworth. Lonsdale died at York House, Twickenham in 1844. Lowther also enjoyed hunting, serving as Master of the Cottesmore Hunt from 1788 to 1802 and 1806 to 1842. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The canvas is in plane and the tension is stiff. The paint layer is in a stable condition overall. There are extensive passages of retouching in the background which have darkened and as well as in the sitter's face. The varnish is clear and even with a light layer of surface dirt.