Joseph Wright of Derby, A.R.A.

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 6 June 2007, lot 30, where acquired by the present owner.

The painting appears to be in good condition, with no apparent extant damage or loss of paint, and the catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been lined but the surface is in good condition, particularly in the face, and the surface has not been abraded. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals infilling to craquelure and minor flecks of scattered retouching in the background, particularly at the edges of the canvas. There is minor infilling to craquelure in the flesh tones and four small areas of retouching, one in the brim of the hat, just to the right of the sitter's head, two in the sleeve, and one in the top part of the dress. The picture is held in a carved and gilded rococo style frame, with an oval inner section. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482.
"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."

A particularly fine early work, this painting can be dated to the early 1760's, when the artist was working in Derby. The composition and dress owe much to Thomas Hudson, in whose studio Wright worked until 1758. A number of possible sitters can be found in Wright's account book, including a 'Miss Bateman' and a 'Miss Chadwick', both recorded as sitting to the artist in 1760, but of whom no further details exist.