Portrait of William Brummell (d. 1794) half-length, in a burgundy coat and white stock oil on canvas 75 x 62cm Footnote: The sitter who married Mary Richardson (whose portrait also by Dance, in an identical frame, was sold in these rooms on 19th of June 2014, lot 509) started life as a valet but with brain and ability rose to become private secretary to the Prime Minister, Lord North. His openly flaunted affair with Mary Richardson gave rise to much comment in view of their differing social status. When Brummell was granted a 'grace and favour' apartment at Hampton Court, King George III made it conditional that he married Mary, who was already well aware he was a brilliant young man 'on the rise' and that he would, as indeed he did, become very rich. In 1782 on the resignation of Lord North, having amassed a respectable fortune, he acquired a small country estate, The Grove, Donnington, Berkshire. At his death in 1794, it is said he left £30,000 to each of his three children, of whom the younger son, George, was the famous "Beau" Brummell (1778-1840). Provenance: By descent from the sitter to Georgiana, Lady Pigott (1802-1886), great-great-great-great-grandmother of the present owner. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The picture is in plane with good tension. The paint layer is stable overall, there is general network of age cracks, some with very slightly raised edges. Localised retouching in the face and hair which appear brighter and warmer in hue than the surrounding, original paint layers. The varnish is even and matte overall. The frame is in a good condition.