Circle of Sir William Beechey, R.A.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition. There is no apparent damage or paint loss except for very minor abrasion to the canvas edge in the upper right hand corner and to the lower right where the canvas meets the frame. There is evidence of craquelure consistent with the age of the painting and an uneven layer of discoloured varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish and reveals very minor areas of retouching to the abrasions mentioned above. There are several further areas of very minor scattered retouching mainly concentrated in the sitter's chest and below her hands and above her foot in the folds of the dress. There is also evidence of retouching to an old vertical repaired tear measuring approx. 5 cm. 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 may be Lady Frances Elizabeth Brudenell-Bruce, the daughter of Thomas, 1st Earl of Ailesbury, who married Sir Henry Wright Wilson in 1799.