(British, 1734-1797)

Reverend John C. Carver of Morthen, South Yorkshire, wearing a brocaded dark blue velvet coat, waistcoat and holding a tricorn hat, 1760, inscription verso oil on canvas, 50-1/8 x 39-7/8 in.; original 18th century carved and gilt wood frame, 56 x 46-1/4 in. [Old Masters]

Note: See Christie's New York, April 22, 2021, lot 53 for the portrait of his sister, Miss Ann Carver, and one of the four commissioned portraits which sold for $212,500 (with premium).

Literature for both portraits: Nicolson, Benedict. Joseph Wright of Derby: Painter of Light : 2 Vol. London: The Paul Mellon Foundation for British Art in Association with Routledge and Kegan Paul. New York: Pantheon, 1968, Volume I, no 30 and 31, p. 184-7, also pp.2,17, 96-8: Volume II, plates 27 and 28, p. 15; see also plate 26, p. 14 and plate 22, p.11.

See Christie's New York, April 22, 2021, lot 53 for the portrait of his sister, Miss Ann Carver, one of the four commissioned portraits, which sold for $212,500 (with premium).

Provenance: Painted for Rev. John Griffiths, D.D., Rector of Eckington (d. 1765), and by descent to M.C.M. Athorpe, Esq., Dinnington Hall, near Sheffield, Yorkshire; Christie's, London, Athorpe sale, 27 April 1934, lots 92-4 and 96; Christie's December 14, 1945, lots 135-6; Sotheby's February 8, 1950, lots 116-7; Sotheby's July 12, 1967, lot 109; The Estate of Peter H. Tillou, Litchfield, Connecticut

lined, scattered light retouch, crackle; frame with some minor losses