Arthur Devis

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 23rd November 2006, lot 32 (bt. by the present owner)

London, Sabin Galleries, English Portraits 1700-1800, 1956

Illustrated London News, 10th November 1956, p. 804, illus.;
E. d'Oench, Arthur Devis: Master of the Georgian Conversation Piece, unpublished PhD thesis, 1979, no. 210

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fairly good condition. There are minor surface marks down the right edge of the picture, but no further apparent damage or loss of paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching overall, notably in the lower left and to the left of the sitter's face, in the hair. FRAME Held in a neo-classical style frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@sothebys.com.
"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 present portrait was dated to c.1750-51 by Ellen d'Oench in 2006.