Studio of Sir Peter Lely

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are minor scuff marks and a some scattered minor abrasion overall, particularly in the upper right, below the spear head, lower left and to the left of the sitter's head in the pillar. The painting otherwise appears to be in very good condition, with only one minor chip to the paint, centre left, towards the edge of the canvas. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a small number of very minor retouchings in the sitter's cheek, and scattered minor retouchings in the lower section of the painting. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded British Baroque 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."

William Seymour was the son of Henry, Lord Beauchamp and Mary, sister of the 1st Earl of Essex. On his death his estates, including those of Tottenham Park, passed to his sister, Elizabeth, who married, in 1676, the 3rd Earl of Elgin and 2nd Earl of Ailesbury.