Alexis-Simon Belle

three-quarter length, standing wearing a silk embroidered coat with a blue cloak, his right hand on his hip, his left arm resting on a plinth, with a landscape beyond to the right

By family descent at Apethorpe Hall, Wansford, Northamptonshire until sold in the Apethorpe sale, Christie's, 2nd June 1892, lot 91 (bt. by Augusta Fane)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is one very small scratch to the surface of the paint in the lower centre of the canvas and there are some very minor abrasion marks to the edges of the canvas where it meets the frame. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a vertical section of restoration to a tear approximately five inches long that runs from the top of the sitters forehead to the point of his nose. There are four further areas of minor retouching to the body of the sitter. There is infilling to craquelure to both hands and there is other scattered minor 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 fifth son of Vere Fane, 4th Earl of Westmorland (1645-1693) and his wife Rachel, daughter of John Beare, Alderman of London. He was born at Mereworth and served as M.P. for Kent 1714-1715. He was heir to his cousin Thomas Fane M.P. (1626-1692) from whom he inherited Burston near Maidstone in Kent. His father had represented Kent as M.P. in five parliaments from 1679-1691 and his elder brother John who was M.P. for Hythe from 1708 to 1711 succeeded him on his death and served as M.P. for Kent until 1722.