John Closterman

three-quarter length, wearing a blue dress, a statue with floral wreath beside her, a landscape beyond

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are some very minor abrasion marks around the canvas where it meets the frame. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some infilling to craquelure and minor retouching predominantly in the face and neck of the sitter, aswell as strengthening in the drapery below the sitters left elbow. There are occasional minor areas of further retouching overall. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded wooden frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The sitter was the wife of the Whig Bishop and controversialist Richard Willis DD (1664-1734), who had been chaplain to William III in 1694. Willis was appointed Bishop of Salisbury and later Winchester and entertained ambitions to become Archbishop of Canterbury, though his political unpopularity prevented his plans ever coming to fruition. His tomb at Winchester Cathedral, built by John Cheere, is one of the great monuments of that magnificent church.