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Two Portraits by Johann Zoffany Triple Their Estimate, Fetching Over $1.2 Million at Bonhams Auction
BY ALBERT CHEN
Two exquisite portraits by German-born artist Johann Joseph Zoffany (1733–1810) achieved remarkable success at Bonhams Old Master Paintings sale in London on December 4, 2024. The companion pieces, depicting a flower girl and a watercress girl, sold for $1.23 million—more than three times their original estimate of $366,000–$610,000. The auction at Bonhams’ New Bond Street location totaled over $2 million, with 97% of lots sold by value.
Lisa Greaves, Head of Bonhams’ Old Master Paintings Department, expressed her delight at the result. “It was no surprise that these exquisite works commanded significant interest,” she said. “Both portraits have been in a private family collection since the 19th century and are in remarkable condition. Zoffany’s skill as a portraitist is evident in the expressive detail and decorative richness of these paintings.”
Zoffany’s Artistic Legacy
Johann Zoffany was a prominent painter of portraits, conversation pieces, and theatrical scenes. Born in Germany, Zoffany’s early years at the court of Alexander Ferdinand, Prince von Thurn und Taxis, exposed him to classical education and courtly manners. After arriving in England around 1760, Zoffany’s career flourished thanks to the patronage of actor-manager David Garrick, who admired his ability to capture dramatic moments and intricate details. Queen Charlotte and King George III later became key patrons, securing his reputation and financial success.
Zoffany’s works now feature in major collections worldwide, including the National Gallery, Tate Gallery, and Royal Collection in the UK, as well as institutions across Europe, the U.S., India, and Australia.
The Watercress Girl: A Testament to Detail
One of the auctioned portraits, The Watercress Girl, was first exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1780. A contemporary reviewer praised Zoffany’s lifelike depiction, stating that the artist had “copied nature so exactly, that it is not easy to determine whether it is real life or painting.” The model for the portrait was a young girl named Jane Wallis.
The paintings were once owned by Jacob Wilkinson, a prominent MP and director of the East India Company. Wilkinson played a pivotal role in supporting Zoffany’s request to travel to India, a journey that expanded the artist’s repertoire. Wilkinson’s portrait by Zoffany is part of the collection at Chequers, the official secondary residence of the British Prime Minister.
Zoffany’s enduring appeal is evident in the enthusiasm surrounding this auction. The sale highlights the timeless allure of his meticulous craftsmanship and expressive portraiture.
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