William Hoare of Bath R.A.

By descent from the sitter to her daughter, Susanna, Countess of Ailesbury (1732-1783);
Thence by descent.

STRUCTURE The canvas has a firm lining. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition, with no apparent damage or loss of paint, though it is slightly flat. There is visible scattered old infilling to craquelure, which has discoloured, overall, though predominantly in the background. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching overall, predominantly to the background in the upper right, and to the canvas edges. There is also an opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a 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 sitter was the daughter and heiress of Stephen Colt, and in 1728, married Henry Hoare of Stourhead as his second wife. Their eldest daughter, Susanna (see following lot), married Thomas, 1^st Earl of Ailesbury.