Oil on canvas, unsigned, with label from Henry Graves, London.

50 x 40 in., 57 x 47 in. (frame).

Note: Once thought to be by Thomas Gainsborough, this portrait was attributed to Gainsborough Dupont from photographs in 1981 by Sir Ellis Waterhouse. In his written opinion of the work, Sir Waterhouse notes that the treatment of the ruff and the tassel are characteristic of Dupont and not Gainsborough. He also notes that the original Gainsborough portrait of William Pitt is in the collection of the Art Gallery of Havana, bequeathed by Oscar Cintas. Dupont painted another portrait of Pitt which was offered at auction at Christie's, NY, 25 May 1999, Lot 83. 

Literature: J. Holland Rose, Litt. D., William Pitt and the National Revival, London, 1911; C.R.L. Fletcher, Historical Portraits 1700-1850, Oxford, 1919, Part II, Vol. IV; C.F. Ellis Waterhouse, Gainsborough, London, 1958, #545.

A skillful L-shaped repair at center just into the eye at right, inpainted. Some surface soiling, craquelure and scattered inpainting. Otherwise in very good condition. Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.