Focus on this artwork and analyze the Provenance.
The exact date of completion of the painting is not known but Wright showed two "candle-light" paintings at the Society of Artists in 1767, and again in 1768. Dressing the Kitten may have been one of them. The painting was purchased at Christie's in 1772 by Henry Temple, second Viscount Palmerston (1739–1802), father of British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston.
The painting is now owned by English Heritage and located at Kenwood House, near Hampstead, London, where it has become the most popular picture on display. It was acquired by English Heritage in 1996 with financial help from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, National Art Collections Fund, London Historic House Museums Trust and the Friends of Kenwood from the executors of Mrs C.M. Riley in lieu of tax. It had been on loan to Kenwood House since 1972.
Society of Artists Lord Palmerston National Art Collections Fund Henry Temple Christie's English Heritage Kenwood House Hampstead London Historic House Museums Trust National Heritage Memorial Fund