EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ‘IT’ GIRLS STILL HOT AT BONHAMS
A famed portrait of three eighteenth century society beauties was one of the star lots in the Bonhams Fine Portrait Miniatures auction on the 28th June. Estimated at £10,000-£15,000, The Three Graces, by Henry Bone, sold for over four times its top estimate, at £67,250.
The enamel portrait portrays the Ladies Rushout: Anne, Harriet and Elizabeth, the three daughters of John Rushout, Baron Northwick of Northwick Park and his wife, Rebecca (née Bowles). Renowned for their beauty and charm during their lifetimes, the sisters were painted together many times. Bone’s portrait sold by Bonhams derives from Andrew Plimer’s earlier portrait miniature of the trio on ivory - arguably Plimer’s most famous work. An engraving of the same composition is with the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
Jennifer Tonkin, Specialist in the Portrait Miniatures department commented: “We are really delighted with the reception of The Three Graces – one of the most recognisable portraits of the famously beautiful Ladies Rushout. The image provided the public at the time with an idealised image of English beauty, and became one of the most well-known compositions of the late Georgian period. Bone’s fine example is exceptional in its impact and its enduring appeal”.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Values stated include buyer’s premium, details can be found at www.bonhams.com
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com.