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The Dutton Family in the Drawing Room of Sherborne Park, Gloucestershire
Johann Zoffany·c. 1772
Historical Context
Johann Zoffany painted The Dutton Family at Sherborne Park around 1772, one of his finest conversation pieces depicting the English gentry in their domestic surroundings. Zoffany, a German-born painter who became one of Georgian England's most fashionable artists, excelled at these informal group portraits that captured the social rituals of upper-class life. The Sherborne Park interior is rendered with documentary accuracy, preserving the appearance of a Georgian country house drawing room.
Technical Analysis
Zoffany's characteristic precision in rendering furniture, textiles, and decorative objects transforms the conversation piece into an inventory of material culture. The warm lighting and carefully observed interactions between family members create an intimate atmosphere despite the formal arrangement.
Provenance
Commissioned by James Lenox Dutton (1712-1776), Sherborne Park, Gloucestershire, and by descent to his son; James Dutton, 1st Baron Sherborne (1744-1820), and thence by descent to James Huntly Dutton, 6th Baron Sherborne (1873-1949); (Christie's London, June 28, 1929 (lot 72), where acquired for 7000 gns by Daniel Haddock Farr); (with Daniel Haddock Farr (1876-1976), dealer, New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA); Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted (1882-1948), London, and thence by descent to Peter Samuel, 4th Viscount Bearsted (1911-1996); The Descendants of Peter Samuel, 4th Viscount Bearsted; (Sotheby's London, June 14, 2001 (lot 16), where acquired by European Private Collection); European Private Collection; (Christie's Private Sale to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
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