Circle of Master of the Countess of Warwick

The flesh tones are warmer than the catalogue illustration would suggest. It is painted on a single slightly bowed panel with a split running down the grain through the sitter's right shoulder as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. The paint surface is in good overall condition with no damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for three minor very slightly pronounced crinkles down the grain from the panel in the upper right which are only visible in a raking light. Also visible under a raking light are scattered retouchings in the background along the panel edges caused by old frame abrasion, and also in the background upper right and to a lesser extent left, as well as in the darker pigments of the costume. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of retouching to the aforementioned areas and down the panel split. It also reveals scattered retouching to the flesh tones of the hands, to old minor surfaces scratches, and to the face around the sitter's left eye, nose, lips and to the hairline, however this is cosmetic and unobtrusive. Overall the picture is in good, read to hang condition. Offered in a decorative painted gilt wood frame.
"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."

Another version of this picture, also dated 1569, is at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (see. J. Arnold (ed.), Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd, Leeds 1988, p. 139, no. 223).