Style of Sir Joshua Reynolds P.R.A.)

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, May 8, 1897, lot 47, to Agnew;
With Thomas Agnew & Sons, London, by whom sold on May 10, 1897 to Thomas Lister, 1st Lord Ribblesdale, Gisburne Park, Yorkshire;
Thence by descent to 4th Lord Ribblesdale;
By descent to his grandson, Hon. Hugh Fraser, MP;
His sale, London, Christie's, November 19, 1965, lot 16;
Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Lady"), London, Christie's, April 26, 1985, lot 97 (as Attributed to Reynolds).

D. Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds, A Complete Catalogue of His Paintings, New Haven 2000, p. 519, cat. no. 2045a (as a copy).

Lined canvas. Scattered pigment separation to the thick layers of paint in the upper half and on the central figure's body; minor craquelure at upper left quadrant. Otherwise, the surface is in stable condition; yellowed, glossy varnish. Under UV light: selective cleaning on the figures; some inpainting can be seen on the red drapery around the nude figure and also through the background. The dark areas are under a thick masking varnish.
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.

This painting repeats the composition of a larger work by Reynolds (143.2 by 172.1 cm.) in The Royal Collection.