Portrait Of James Mingay, K.C.

James Mingay (1752-1812) was a prominent lawyer, King's Counsel, and twice Mayor of Thetford, Norfolk. His right arm, lost early in life, had been replaced with a grappling hook. Mingay is seated, facing right, looking at viewer, wearing lace bands, dark gown, and a large white wig. His right arm rests on the chair, carefully concealing his hooked hand, and his left hand rests on a table, on which are papers and an inkstand.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Commissioned from the artist by Mr and Mrs. James Mingay, London, from July 17, 1789, when the two portraits were received and paid for, as entered in Romney's books; by inheritance to their nephew, William James Mingay, Shotesham, from 1812. A portrait of this title was sold at (Christie's), 17 March 17 March 1864, lot 15.[1] W. Millers-Rawlinson, Duddon Hall, Broughton-in-Furness, second half of the nineteenth century. C.W. Rotch, by 1902; Sir George Donaldson, Brighton; exhibited in the National Gallery, London, for three years during World War I.[2] (Leger Galleries), London, until 1943; Mr. Solomon, 1943 or before; gift to the Walters Art Gallery by Mrs. Mircea M. Iurascu in memory of Mircea M. Iurascu, 9 January 1968.

[1] According to Humphry Ward and W. Roberts, Romney, A Biography and Critical Essay with a Catalogue Raisonne of His Works, Vol. I, New York, 1904, p. 106.

[2] According to W. Roberts, James Mingay, K.C. by George Romney, London, 1928, p. 8.