Thomas Gainsborough R.A.

By descent to the sitter's grandson, Sir Samuel Fludyer, 3rd Bart.;
Thence by descent to his niece, Mrs. Allan Maria Pechell;
Thence by descent to her son, Col. Pechell;
With Messrs. Hurcomb of Piccadilly, London;
From whom purchased by J. Leger & Son, London, for £1,000 on 1 June 1929;
With J. Leger & Son, New York;
By whom sold, New York, American Art Association/Anderson Galleries, Inc., 2 March 1933, lot 81 (as by Gainsborough), to Ehrich;
With Ehrich Galleries, New York,1933;
With John Levy Gallery, New York, 1934;
From whom purchased by Leo M. Flesh, Piqua, Ohio, in 1936;
By descent to his son, Alfred L. Flesh, Piqua, Ohio;
From whom acquired by Earl C. Townsend, Indianapolis in 1960;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Paris, Galerie Cailleux, May-June, 1964;
Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art, A Pride of Masterpieces, 12 July - 12 September, 1971.

W. Roberts, "A Splendid Gainsborough Reappears," in International Studio, September 1929, p. 50, reproduced;
International Studio, January 1930, p. 76, under "Exhibitions;"
E. Waterhouse, Gainsborough, London 1958, p. 67, cat. no. 260 (as by Gainsborough, Later Bath period).

The canvas has an old glue relining which is in good condition. The painting has been recently restored, removing old overpaint in the face that had been added in the early 20th century to transform the sitter into a younger woman. Inspection under UV reveals retouching to the craquelure pattern in the face and chest but this has been sensitively applied. The painting requires no further work and is ready to hang in its present state. Offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Caroline Fludyer was the daughter of the Hon. James Brudenell MP, brother of George, 3rd Earl of Cardigan.  She married on 2 September 1758, as his second wife, Sir Samuel Fludyer who was a successful clothier and merchant.  He was director of the Bank of England from 1753, deputy governor 1766-8, and Lord Mayor of London 1761-2.

We are grateful to Hugh Belsey for confirming the attribution after firsthand inspection.  He dates the portrait to circa 1772, around the same time that Gainsborough painted the Portrait of Mrs. Izard now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.  The Portrait of Lady Fludyer will be included in Belsey's forthcoming catalogue raisonné on Gainsborough.