A Boy (called Master Lumsden)

Lever acquired this painting as 'Master Lumsden' by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Its stylistic resemblance to Reynolds's child portraiture is superficial, and there is no evidence for the identity of the boy. The work belongs less to the category of portraiture, and is more like the sentimental fancy pictures of poor children which became very popular in England in 1775 - 1800. The possible attribution to Richard Morton Paye (1750 - 1821), who worked in this sentimental style from the mid-1780s, seems plausible. However, in view of the shortage of authenticated works by Paye, it must remain as a possible attribution.