Mystery Brontë portrait sparks hunt for artist’s other historic painting

The painting, thought to be a watercolour of all three sisters, was due to be the latest item concerning the trio to go under the hammer.

Believed to be painted by 19th-century English artist Sir Edwin Landseer, it was due to be included in a fine art and antiques sale at JP Humbert Auctioneers in Northamptonshire.

The work has been attributed by a team from the National Portrait Gallery as well as four years of research by the vendor.

Auctioneer Jonathan Humbert was hoping to score a hat-trick with the sale – the third item believed to be linked to the Brontë sisters.

It follows the auction house’s sale of a small portrait believed to be of Emily Brontë recently for £4,600. In December, JP Humbert’s sold another painting of the reclusive writer for £23,836.

Now, Mr Humbert has revealed that a collector has come forward with information about a related pastel portrait of the same era – a copy of which is held on file at the National Portrait Gallery, thought to be the same subjects by the same artist.

“In light of the new information and its potential significance, we have postponed the sale of this picture until May 24 and will evaluate the strength and implications of what has now come to light,” he said.

“Any additional information supporting the historic story of this picture will help ensure the portrait goes to an appreciative home.”

He appealed for the purchaser of a pastel sketch of 3 Females With Guitar to contact the firm.