Sir Joshua Reynolds P.R.A.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. The paint is thinly applied in the background. On close inspection there is strengthening to the background around the sitter's head. There is no apparent damage or loss of paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some retouching to the left hand side of the sitter's cheek. There is an area of retouching in the lower left as well as one small area of retouching to the sitter's costume in the lower centre. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded rococo 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."

We are grateful to David Mannings for suggesting that, though previously untraced, on the basis of photographs the present portrait is likely to be fully attributed to Joshua Reynolds.