Oil on canvas (lined), late 18th century, unsigned, sitter identified by stenciled name in upper margin, after an 18th-century mezzotint by Richard Brookshaw published by John Wesson in 1769, presented in a giltwood frame.

Stretcher size 20 x 15 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 25 1/2 x 20 3/4 in.

From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C.

Antoine-Henry Masson was born in Paris in 1740. He quickly mastered the game of tennis, and by the age of twenty-two, he was appointed paumier du roi. He was also paumier to the duc de Chartres, the prince de Condé and the "Enfants de France". Masson was coined the "père des paumiers" and was regarded as champion of the world.

In 1767, Masson visited London and defeated the strongest English players. It is thought Masson's portrait was painted by Mortimer at this time.

Interestingly, this painting differs from the 18th century mezzotint in that Masson is depicted standing in an outdoor rural setting, with a tennis net visible behind him.

Canvas has been lined, areas of retouching visible under UV light inspection