(British, 1738–1806)

Portrait of a Smiling Boy in a Landscape with a Greyhound, unsigned, oil on canvas, 53-3/4 x 41 in.; original English 18th century Maratta carved and gilt wood frame, 61-3/8 x 48-7/8 in.

Note: Note: According to leading expert, Hugh Belsey, the partial label verso is erroneous in its attribution to Gainsborough. He suggests the playful effect of this portrait may be more associated with the circle of Johan Zoffany, and perhaps, more specifically, Richard Brompton. Brunk Auctions would like to thank Alex Kidson for identifying the artist of this portrait as Thomas Beach. We would also like to thank Hugh Belsey for clarity on the former attribution of this painting to Thomas Gainsborough.

Provenance: Rita Cusimano and Bernadette Strianese (joint heirs), purchased in 2007 as a Gilbert Stuart, for $95,000 (accompanied by a facsimile of the original receipt on Tillou invoice); The Estate of Peter H. Tillou, Litchfield, Connecticut

lined with paste and linen, restretched on late 19th century stretcher, some areas of overcleaning, two periods of retouch; frame with abrasions