John William Godward, R.B.A.

Frost & Read, London as The Peasant Girl, 1902;
Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner in the 1960s

The following condition report has been prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd, 13 & 14 Mason's Yard, Duke Street, St James', London, SW1Y 6BU STRUCTURAL CONDITION The canvas is unlined and is providing a secure and structural support. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface has an even varnish layer and inspection under ultra-violet light shows just a few spots of retouching in the dark pigments around the sitter's eyes. SUMMARY The painting is therefore in very good and stable condtion and no further work is required.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This picture appears to be another version of Atalanta of 1892 (Christie's, 23 April 2012, lot 40) which takes its title from the name of the Arcadian princess abandoned as a child and suckled by a she-bear, who became a huntress and virginal priestess of Artemis. When it was sold by Frost & Reed it was given the title A Peasant Girl but her robes and complexion are too fine for this title to be applicable. 

We are very grateful to Dr Vern Swanson for confirming the authenticity of this picture.