THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH R.A. (ENGLISH, 1727-88), OIL ON CANVAS, 1762, H 50 1/2" W 39", PORTRAIT OF WILLIAM HANSON ESQ. OF LONDON Standing three-quarter length. Wearing a dark blue frock-coat and waistcoat with gold frogging. Elaborately carved mid-Georgian period gilt wood frame, measuring H 61" x L 51". Inscribed lower left: "William Hanson, London, Died 1791 age 72". William Hanson was the Grandson of William Hanson (b.1670) and inherited Osmondthorpe Hall (near Leeds) from his father John Hanson. (His grandfather was the eldest son of Christopher Hanson, of Arthington, and a descendant of John de Rastricke, who assumed in 1330 the surname of Hanson). In 1738 Hanson left Yorkshire for London and founded a business trading with the Levant and Turkey. He was admitted to the freedom of the Ironmongers' Company in 1757 and to the Livery in 1758. Provenance: Estate of George Palmer, Indian Village, Detroit, MI; Purchased DuMouchelles September 19, 1993 [Lot 02017] From the collection of Dr. James E. and Lenora Ross, Redlands, CA. (Dr. and Mrs. Ross were both Michigan natives); Christie's, London March 27, 1981 (Lot 145). From the collection of Christopher Hanson Smith by descent through the Hanson family. Literature: the Works of Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Ellis Waterhouse. This work was not included in the 1958 edition as the author was unaware of its existence until the 1981 sale. Copy of Letters of Authentication, Christie's catalogue, DuMouchelle 1993 invoice, and other relevant documents will be supplied with purchase.

Professionally restored in the 20th c. relined using linen. At some point, there was damage that centered at the sitter's right shoulder, along the right arm and across the waist. The restoration goes across the face and up to the upper right quadrant. Restoration is expertly done and great care was taken not to add pigment in areas other than where the canvas was joined and strengthened. Frame is in pristine condition and bears insignificant looses.

61 x 39 x 51 in