Follower of Philip Mercier

half-length, standing, wearing a red coat with the sash and badge of the garter, in a painted oval 

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting would appear to be in good condition. There are a very small number of areas of minor paint loss to the back ground as a result of minor flaking. There is scattered minor retouching overall and an uneven layer of dirt overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the minor scattered retouching and reveals a layer of opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a 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, 'Poor Fred', was the eldest son of George Augustus, Electoral Prince of Hanover and later George II, and his wife Caroline, daughter of Johann Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburgh-Ansbach. Born at Leine Palace, Hanover, in 1707 he was created Duke of Gloucester in 1717, and Duke of Edinburgh in 1727.

Following his arrival in England, on 7th December 1728, he was created Prince of Wales on 8th January 1729 and retained Mercier as his first principal painter until 1736.