The portraits were purchased by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, an agency of the State of Michigan, for their permanent museum collection. They operate several historic sites at the Straits of Mackinac, including a reconstruction of Fort Michilimackinac where Arent Schuyler DePeyster served as commandant from 1774 to 1779. Based on the style of his uniform, the portraits date to ca. 1790. Steven C. Brisson, the director of the agency said: "We have been aware of the existence of these portraits for many years and have used black and white copies, provided by the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, in several publications and exhibits. We are extremely pleased to acquire the originals. We also have in our collection a stunning silver punch bowl, made by Smith & Sharp of London, that was presented to DePeyster by the traders at Fort Michilimackinac in 1779."

The second highest lot was part of the Shakenhurst Hall Collection - an impressive landscape with figures on horseback by a lake which has to be assumed to be by a follower of Richard Wilson. As such it was estimated at £800 - £1,200 and sold for £9,500 (£12,008).

Julian Dineen, head of pictures at Bellmans, said: "We were delighted with the sale which included some outstanding results, with competitive bidding coming from across the UK, Europe and further afield. We look forward to following this up with what is sure to be a fantastic Modern British and 20th Century Art Sale on 15th November."

90% of the auction sold with most lots achieving prices above expectations and with £225,000 it is one of the best totals of a Bellmans picture auction in recent years.

www.bellmans.co.uk Bellmans is holding auctions in 2022 on 15-18 November and 8 December.