Sir William Beechey, R.A.

W. Roberts, Sir William Beechey, R. A., 1907, p. 223

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition. There is a evidence of an uneven layer of discoloured varnish overall and craquelure throughout which is conssitent with the age of the painting. There is no apparent damage or loss of paint except for minor abrasion to the canvas edge noticeable in the upper right hand corner and the lower right where the canvas meets the frame. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of a discoloured varnish and shows very minor retouching to the abrasions mentioned above. There are several further very minor scattered areas of retouching mainly concentrated in the sitter's chest and in the folds of her dress below her hands and above her foot. There is also evidence of retouching to an old vertical repaired tear measuring approx 5 cm. situated in the sky centre left. FRAME Held in a wood and plaster gilt 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 son of George Brudenell, 3rd Earl of Cardigan and his wife Lady Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of the Earl of Elgin. He was brought up at the family estate, Deene Park, in Northamptonshire and married Lady Mary Montagu, younger daughter of the Duke of Montagu who lived nearby at Boughton. Through this marriage he and his wife eventually came into that great estate as well as Montagu's London property. In recognition of his position he was created Duke of Montagu of the second creation in 1766. Their only son predeceased them and the title became extinct. He was succeeded as Earl of Cardigan by his brother James Brudenell in 1790.