Sir Peter Lely

STRUCTURE The canvas has been sensitively relined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition. The paint in the background is a little thin and worn in places, however the face and body seem to have retained their quality, and the paint is in good condition. There is a discoloured layer of varnish and a fine craquelure overall in keeping with the painting's age. There are no visible areas of paint loss or damage. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish and reveals minor retouching to an old stretcher bar mark in the upper left, as well as areas of retouching to the lower left and centre top where the canvas has come into contact with the frame. Elsewhere there are some very minor scattered retouchings in the background. FRAME Held in a carved gilt wood 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 sitter was the third son of Edward Bruce, 1st Lord Kinloss. He was born in Edinburgh in 1599 and came to London with his family in the early years of James I's reign. He was a natural supporter of Charles I and attended him in Scotland. For his services he was created 1st Earl of Elgin, in the Scottish peerage in 1636, knighted at Windsor in 1638 with the Prince of Wales, and created Baron Bruce of Whorlton in the English Peerage in 1642.