After Sir Peter Lely

The painting is slightly less red than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas is lined. The paint surface is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. The faint upper and lower stretcher bar marks are visible and there is surface dirt and a blanching varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the milky varnish which makes inspection difficult however there seems to be retouching to the aforementioned stretcher bar marks and strengthening throughout the foreground concentrated in areas of shadow. There are some flecks of retouching and strengthening throughout the costume too. There is also more recent retouching to what appears to be an old scratch upper left measuring approx. 3in. and to an old repaired diagonal tear measuring approx. 4 in in the curtain edge upper centre. Otherwise in country house condition. Offered in a Victorian gilt wood and plaster 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."

This picture is a copy of a painting in the Collection of the Duke of Northumberland, commissioned circa 1648 by Algernon Percy, 10th Earl Northumberland (1602-1668). It records one of the occassions when Charles I (1600-1649) in custody at Hampton Court, was allowed to see his children who were in Northumberland's care at Syon.¹

1. See O. Millar, Sir Peter Lely 1618-80, London 1979, exhibition catalogue, p. 37-8, cat no. 6