Spanish School, 18th Century

The canvas is unlined and still attached to its original stretcher. There are two restored tears of approx 5 cm each, one to the right of the sitter's order and the other to the right of his lace cravat, as visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a vertical line where the paint has started to lift to the left of his head and a few other minor scattered losses. The paint surface is otherwise secure with fine craquelure throughout and under a dirty old varnish which impedes thorough inspection. Some areas of retouching are visible to the naked eye in particular to the left edge and the aforementioned damages. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame, slightly rubbed.
"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."

José Moñino y Redondo, count of Floridablanca (1728-1808), was named ambassador to the Holy See in 1772. As ambassador he successfully lobbied Clement XIV in obtaining the suppression of the Jesuit order.
When Napoleon marched against Spain in 1808, Floridablanca was asked to lead the country in resistance. He became the President of the Supreme Central and Governmental Junta but he died at Seville on November 20 that year.