Lot 431
JOHN OPIE R.A. (BRITISH 1761-1807)
WILLIAM, THIRD SON OF THE TENTH LORD ELPHINSTONE
Auction: Day Two | Thursday 20 August from 10am | Lots 199 - 555
Description
oil on canvas, framed, inscribed lower left OPIE.PINXT./ HON. WILLIAM ELPHINSTONE/ BY OPIE and to labels on frame OPIE/ 48
Dimensions
124.5cm x 99cm (frame size 159.5cm x 134cm)
Provenance
The Elphinstone Family Collection
Footnote
Likely born in Elphinstone Tower, Falkirk, William Elphinstone joined the British East India Company aged just 17. He married Elizabeth Fullerton of Carstairs in 1774, the couple adopting the joint surname Fullerton-Elphinstone. Having first captained a ship, William then rose to the post of Director for an extended period from 1786 to 1825, unusually also serving three times as the organisation's Chairman of Directors, in 1804, 1806 and 1814. On his retirement in 1826 at the age of 85, he was considered to have an unrivalled knowledge of Indian affairs.