Attributed to William Williams

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 7 March 1969, lot 112 (as by a follower of Nathaniel Dance), for 170 Guineas to Drysdale.

The canvas has been relined. There is wear in the darker pigments in the right hand side of the background. The paint thickness in the clothing appears thick and well-preserved. There is restoration in the man's face and in a 2 cm. vertical loss lower right corner. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows old spot retouching in the dog, old retouching in the sky left margin, old and new retouching in the tree trunks around the figure, and some minor spot retouching along the middle part of a vertical seam which runs 10 cm. from the left hand margin. There is a more recent campaign of minor restoration in the man's clothing, and to some minor scattered restoration in his trousers and in the ground. There is very delicate retouching in his face. This lot is offered in a modern gilt wood frame in good 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."