Follower of Anthonis Mor

By descent in the Hesketh family, Heslington Hall, Yorkshire, to Anne, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Hesketh of Heslington (d. 1708), who married in 1692 Lieutenant Colonel James Yarburgh (d. 1728) of Snaith Hall, Yorkshire;
Thence by descent to Mary Elizabeth Yarburgh (d. 1884) eldest daughter and co-heir of George John Yarburgh (1811-1875), who married in 1862 George William Bateson, later Bateson de Yarburgh, 2nd Baron Deramore of Belvoir (1823-1893);
Thence by descent in the Deramore family to the present owner.

The colours seem to have more depth and richness than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The three part chamfered panel appears to be stable but has bowed very slightly. The paint surface appears to be in very good overall condition with no apparent areas of damage or loss of paint except for some very minor losses to the panel edges caused presumably by an ill-fitting frame such as a very minor diagonal indentation measuring approx 1 in. directly above the sitter's head which is visible in a raking light. Otherwise there appears to be a few patches of minor localised retouching to the dark pigments of her dress, visible only in a raking light, and a discoloured varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals several campaigns of old retouching mainly concentrated in the background, and previously as mentioned in the sitter's dress. There appears to be some minor cosmetic scattered flecks of retouching to the face and there is evidence of retouching to the rightmost panel join. The opacity of the varnish impedes further inspection. Offered in a smart gilded wood and plaster frame, with some minor damages but generally in good overall condition.
"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."