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From such a small artwork, has come such a grand story: the unification of two portraits of George Hewey, nearly 20 years apart.

Following the purchase of Lot 78 in our 19 May Old Master, British & European Art auction, and the subsequent discovery of the portrait's connection to another piece, Sworders' Client Eric Schnitzer kindly shared the details of this fascinating story.

^{The previously acquired miniature of an unidentified British officer, alongside Lot 78 (a portrait of an officer, said to be Major George Huey)}

"In 2007, I acquired a miniature of an unidentified British officer by an unknown hand. From the uniqueness of the sitter's uniform, I easily determined that he was in the 62nd (Wiltshire) Regiment of Foot, and that he had been painted sometime between c.1780 and 1785. I have a particular interest in this regiment's service and uniformology in the 18th century, which is the reason I bought it.

When Sworders presented Lot 78, friends of mine notified me immediately. The sitter was identified as George Huey, major of the 102nd Regiment of Foot, per an old sticker on the reverse. While that was his eventual rank and unit, he is wearing the uniform of the 62nd Regiment of Foot in c.1795, at which time he was a captain. Hewey (which is how he signed his name, although the family later preferred "Huey") was an officer in the 62nd Regiment from 1776 to 1798, and it was in 1798 that he was promoted major in the 102nd.

The notable and exciting discovery was finding that Hewey is a perfect match for the unknown 62nd Regiment officer whose miniature I purchased 19 years earlier!"

Eric Schnitzer, New York, USA

^{Attributed to Frederick Buck (Irish, 1771-1839), Portrait of an officer, said to be Major George Huey of the 102nd Regiment, bust-length, in uniform (Sold for £624)}

We are now inviting entries for our next Old Master, British & European Art auction, to be held on Tuesday 10 November, with consignments welcomed by Friday 25 September.

Whether you have a single work or larger collection you wish to discuss, our specialists would be delighted to assist you with a complimentary valuation and confidential sales advice. Please contact the team by emailing pictures@sworder.co.uk or by completing our simple online valuation form.

_{Sold prices shown include fees.}

Tuesday 10 November | 10am

pictures@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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