Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.

Hill family, Easthampstead Park, Berkshire;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The colours are softer and slightly more muted than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for two very minor losses in the sitter's hair and cravat as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There are also very minor scattered but now stable losses in the lower centre caused by some old flaking. There appears to be a discoloured varnish overall and there are very very minor isolated scattered flecks of white visible in the sitter's cloak which are visible only upon close inspection. Under a raking light there are some scattered minor areas of retouching in the costume and the hair and to a lesser extent in the face to the contour of the sitter's right cheek, around the left eye and to the forehead, as well as scattered minor retouching in the background lower left. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of retouching to the aforementioned areas. It also reveals three small areas of retouching. The first and second are small areas of repaired damage parallel to the sitter's left and right ears measuring approx. 0.5 in. and the third is to a minor vertical line of stabilised flaking in the lower centre measuring approx.. 2 in. There is also a thick discoloured varnish. Offered in an oval gilt wood frame with minor losses.
"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."

Leopold, Count of Auersperg acted as Austrian envoy in London between 1694 and 1700 before settling in Turin. He married in 1703, Susanna, Countess von Martinitz (1670-1717) and was awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece.