Two (2) British 18th century portraits. 1st item: Oil on canvas bust-length portrait of a gentleman in a powdered wig and dark silk robe, shown in three-quarters view. Unsigned. With J. Gray, 10 Dove St., Norwich (fl. 1811-1842) framer's label affixed to verso. Additional partial label affixed to top of stretcher reads "At Half The Usual Prices / Pictures Cleaned By The First Artists." Housed in a giltwood frame. Sight: 29 in. H x 23 3/4 in. W. Framed: 33 in. H x 27 3/4 in. W. Likely 18th century. 2nd item: Oil on canvas bust-length portrait of a woman in a white turban and black shawl shown in three-quarters view. A seed pearl earring hangs from her left ear. Handwritten label affixed to back of stretcher reads "Bless Palmer wife of Thos. Palmer /  Born in 1751 - died at Bishopsteignton - Devon - in 1836 - where she is buried in a Vault." Additional handwritten label affixed en verso on paper with printed Colonel Clayton Swiney (likely George Clayton Swiney, 1840-1928) header reads, "A copy was taken by Mr. [Haggler?]" and "This picture reproduces my g[reat?] grandmother and was left to me by aunt Fanny and I [illegible] is [illegible] my dear aunt [illegible] / Nov. 1889." Handwritten text to back of stretcher reads "Colonel G. C. Clayton lent to his sister [illegible]." With additional "Swiney" inscriptions to back of stretcher. Also with "H Poole, High Holborn, London stamp en verso. Housed in an ebonzied wood frame with gilt fillet. Sight: 29 1/2 in. H x 24 1/2 in. W. Framed: 33 3/4 in. H x 28 3/4 in. W. Late 18th or 19th c. 

1st item: Overall very good condition, canvas has likely been cleaned. 2nd item: Canvas is loose and slightly wavy, with stable craquelure throughout and stretcher marks. Multiple restoration campaigns with areas of retouch or inpainting throughout, largest to repair puncture in turban, 1/2 inch x 1/4 inch. Also with extensive retouching or inpainting to frame abrasions. Localized, fine retouching to face and clothing. See UV photography. Some yellowing to varnish layer.

The estate of Dr. Ian M. Mathison, Murfreesboro TN and Big Rapids, MI.