Attributed to Joseph Highmore

the first: Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 2 May 1958, lot 63;
the second: Anonymous sale, London, Chrisite's, 4 November 1971, lot 117

STRUCTURE The first canvas has been lined; the second has been lined PAINT SURFACE The first (female): appears to be in fair condition. There appears to be some areas of abrasion to the canvas edges particularly in the lower centre and upper right hand corner. There is also some surface dirt visible in the upper regions of the canvas and there appears to have been some localised cleaning around the sitter's resting hand. There is an uneven craquelure and a discoloured layer of varnish overall as well as two faint but visible vertical stretcher marks on both sides of the canvas; the second (male): appears to be in fair condition. There are minor surface abrasions concentrated in the upper and lower left hand corners and a minor tear to the canvas edge in the lower left hand corner. There is some minor bitumen corruption to the paint surface in the area beneath the sitter's outstretched hand and in the upper centre, along the side of his face. There is evidence of a thick discoloured varnish and an extensive uneven craquelure overall. ULTRAVIOLET The first (female): Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish which makes further inspection difficult, however there is evidence of scattered and extensive old infilling to the craquelure; the second (male): examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish which makes further inspection difficult. FRAME Both held in gold painted wood frames. 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."