Samuel Woodforde, R.A

London, Royal Academy, 1802, no. 202

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. There is one small speck of bird dropping on the canvas, to the right of the sitter's shoulder (visible in the catalogue image), which could come off easily with some distilled water. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals one small area of very minor retouching in the extreme lower left corner, and two minor flecks below the dogs feet. Otherwise the painting appears to be untouched. FRAME Held in a neoclassical gilded wooden 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 portrait dates from circa 1797 when the sitter was made a Colonel in the Wiltshire Yeomanry. It was painted shortly after his return from his long Grand Tour in Italy. The artist was a protege of his cousin, Sir Richard Colt Hoare of Stourhead.