Description

ONE OF THE PAIR OF DE CARTERET PORTRAITS.
Pair of oils on canvas in giltwood frames.
This charming pair are probably engagement portraits painted to commemorate their forthcoming union.
The artist has used a bright, soft palette giving an optimistic Spring like feel to the paintings. Jane holds a basket of flowers and wears one as an ornament in her hair.
John, as befits an 18th century gentleman of noble lineage, stands confidentally, his tricorne hat under his arm, one hand on his hip and the other tucked into his waistcoat.
The DE CARTERET family.
"There are few families, if any, who can show a record as famous and remarkable as that of the noble family of de Carteret, and the fame of their deeds is recorded alike in French and English chronicles.
Their history through succeeding generations is closely interwoven with the history of Jersey; their most striking characteristic has been a deep loyalty to their Dukes of Normandy, embodied in the persons of the monarchs of England. Nor is it too much to say that this, the most important of the Channel Islands, has been held steadfast and loyal to the English throne largely through the extraordinary patriotism and exceptional qualities of this family.
The de Carterets are of ancient Norman descent. The name Onfrey de Carteret is mentioned amongst those who followed William the Conqueror to England, and he was probably one of the Seigneurs of Normandy even at that early time." 'Jersey: An Isle of Romance' by Blanche B. Elliott, (published 1923).
The de Carterets prospered not only in Jersey; Philip (1639-1683) was the 1st Governor of New Jersey, and Rear Admiral Philip de Carteret (1733-1796) was a famous circumnavigator.
HAMLET WINSTANLEY (1698-1756) was a painter and engraver based predominantly in Warrington, Lancashire. Initially self-taught as an artist by 1713 he was in London drawing in Kneller's academy in Great Queen Street, returning to Warrington in 1721. Under the patronage of James Stanley, 10th Earl of Derby, of Knowsley Hall, Lancashire, Winstanley spent two years in Italy between 1723 and 1725. On his return to England he painted members of the Stanley family which remain at Knowlsey today. Today Winstanley is perhaps best known as an early tutor of George Stubbs (1724-1806).
SIZE: 40.5 x 32.5 inches inc frame.
PROVENANCE: English Private Collection.
VERSO: old inscription "John de Carteret, son of Philip de Carteret married Jane Falla 14th March 1758".
IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS PORTRAIT IS SOLD AS A COMPANION TO THE ONE OF JOHN DE CARTERET AND THE PRICE IS FOR THE PAIR.
Internal Ref: 8646/7