After Sir Anthony van Dyck

More muted in tone and less acidic in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The paint surface is in fair condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for some flaking in the lower right and to a lesser extent centre right. There also seems to have been retouching to old frame abrasion around the canvas edges. There is also minor superficial surface dirt running through the dog's nose in the centre only visible under a raking light. The left hand stretcher bar mark is also visible under a raking light. There is surface dirt and a thick dirty varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals scattered cosmetic retouching to the curtain and to a lesser extent the background otherwise there seems to have been little intervention, however the milky varnish makes it difficult to discern. Overall in country house condition. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame with minor losses to the gilt.
"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."

This is a rare copy, reduced in length, after the original painting at Kenwood House (part of the Iveagh Bequest) which was painted circa 1636 for Lady Leicester (1598-1659) or her husband, Robert Sydney, 2nd Earl of Leicester (1595-1677). The hound, was traditionally said to have saved his master's life in, perhaps a boar hunt, to which the spear would be an allusion.