James Kent (1700-1776) was born in Winchester. He was organist of Trinity College, Cambridge from 1731-37, and then organist of Winchester Cathedral and College from 1737-74.

This portrait is signed with the initials G.M., perhaps for William (i.e. Guilelmus) Mosman. The artist trained in Rome in the 1730s before settling in his native Scotland, but painted several English sitters. A portrait of Robert Smith, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, signed and dated 1743, was sold Sotheby’s, London, 24 October 2017, lot. 45. Smith and Kent had been colleagues at Trinity and were both musicians.

 

Provenance: Unknown

Location: Warden’s Lodgings