Manner of Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger

By descent from the sitters to Frederick Joseph Trevelyan Perceval, 10th Earl of Egmont (1873-1932), at Avon Castle, Hampshire;
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 12 December 1930, lots 121 & 122 (as Pourbus), to Huggins for £63 each, on behalf of Lady Alice Mahon (1877-1970);
By descent to her son, Sir Dennis Mahon (1910-2011);
By whom bequeathed, in 2010, to the present owner.

She: Painted on a single panel with a diagonal split down the centre. The paint is covered by a very yellow varnish. The paint surface even and without losses. The split down the centre has not been smoothened over and needs attention. The paint surface is still thick and the lines along the edge of her ruff are delicately painted and still appear almost transluscent. Inspection under UV light shows repair to two very fine vertical splits beginning at the upper and lower edge on the far right. There are also specks of very old retouching on the left of the ruff. The sitter is elegantly turned out and posed, the coat of arms is intact, and she could look very handsome after a gentle clean. He: Painted on two panels, the larger is split down the centre and the two parts are at a slight angle to each other. The front is protected by a glass pane. A very yellow varnish covers the whole painted surface and this could do with a professional clean. Beneath the paint surface looks in good condition, with only some slight thinning of paint on the man's ruff. The inscription and coat of arms are in well-preserved state. A few tiny areas of white-coloured mold on the inside of the glass pane and also on the panel in the gentleman's black coat. Inspection under UV light shows old specks of restoration on the man's shoulder and a tiny, newer, repair in the lower right hand corner. The pair are offered in matching frames with decorative mouldings, painted gold, with some knocks in the corners and a little worn with age.
"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."