Attributed to John Ellys

Anonymous Sale, London, Sotheby's, 10 April 1991, lot 73

STRUCTURE The canvas has a firm relining. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fair condition with no major areas of damage or loss of paint apart from some minor losses to what appears to be a horizontal abrasion tot he sitter's cuff upper left, as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There are further very minor associated losses to the left hand canvas edge. Directly below these associated losses there is a minor horizontal surface scratch parallel to the sitter's chest as can again be seen in the catalogue illustration. There are two very slight paint bubbles int he background central left. There is one further very minor fleck of paint loss in the lower centre to the largest yellow triangle of the sitter's dress. Elsewhere there is minor abrasion to the canvas edge and in a raking light, evidence of scattered retouchings particularly concentrated around the sitter's upraised hand. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the retouching and reveals further extensive retouching overall, to the background, dress, face and chest. There is also a discoloured varnish overall in keeping with the paintings age. FRAME Held in an ornate carved gilt wood Sunderland frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@sothebys.com.
"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."

This is a version of the full length painting sold in these rooms on 15 November 1989, lot 34, which is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. S.668-1989) and has recently been on display in the exhibition First Actresses at the National Portrait Gallery.