Circle of Francis Cotes, R.A.

The illustrated picture is fresher in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. All three canvases have been relined and all three paint surfaces appear to be intact with no apparent damage or loss of paint bar some very minor flecks of paint loss. The lead lot appears to be in good overall conditon with two very minor flecks of paint missing in the curtain cord. Otherwise there are scattered areas of surface dirt and there is an old varnish which has very slighlty blanched in places. Examination under ultraviolet reveals some very minor cosmetic retouching to three old superficial surface abrasions in the tricorn, the left hand and in the background above the left wrist. The second (as listed in the catalogue) appears in good overall condition. There is surface dirt overall including a white fleck and there is a discoloured varnish overall. There is a minor old paint loss below the helmet and a minor superficial surface scratch lower right measuring approx 4 in. Under a raking light there is what appears to be restoration to an old area of damage to the canvas edge upper right. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the present of the varnish and reveals one or two more very minor flecks of retouching in the background but otherwise there has been little intervention. The final painting (as listed last in the catalogue) appears in good overall condition. There is some minor cusping upper right at the canvas edge and the paint surface has been pressed slightly by the relining. There are also several very minor scattered old paint losses in the peripheral areas. There is surface dirt concentrated in the background mainly in the upper left and a thick varnish. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the varnish and reveals some scattered old and minor cosmetic retouches. Overall all three paintings are in good country house, ready to hang 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."

The Hon. Arthur Barry was the fifth child of Lieutenant-General James Barry, 4th Earl of Barrymore by his third marriage to Lady Anne Chichester. He died unmarried in October 1770.

Arthur Chichester, 3rd Earl of Donegal founded the 35th Regiment of Foot in Belfast in 1701, becoming its first Colonel. In 1704 he commanded them in Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession, and was appointed Major General of the Spanish forces by the Prince of Hesse. He was killed in action in 1706 at the fort of Montjuich near Barcelona, and was buried there. His youngest daughter, Anne, married the 4th Earl of Barrymore in 1716.

The third painting in this lot is a copy after a Portrait of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 3rd Bt., M.P. (1692-1749) by Thomas Hudson which was sold London, Christie's, 25 November 2003, lot 27.