Follower of John Hoppner, R.A.

Acquired from a descendant of the sitter by Asher Wertheimer, Esq., London, 1913;
With M. Knoedler & Co., Inc. New York, by 1916;
Arthur Curtiss James, New York;
His deceased sale, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., 13-15 June 1941, lot 17 (as by Hoppner), for $2,000 to N. Aquavella;
With Acquavella Galleries, New York.

Cleveland, Cleveland Museum of Art, Inaugural Exhibition, 1916, no. 9 (as by Hoppner, lent by Knoedler).

W. McKay and W. Roberts, Supplement and Index to John Hoppner, R.A., London 1914, p. 39 (as a replica).

There is an old glue relining. The paint surface is under a very dirty and discolored old varnish, and has been a bit pressed in the aforementioned relining. There is some thinness in the browns of the background, her hair and the transparent drapery at left side. There are some small areas of paint lifting at the right side of her hair, in the red curtain to the right of her head and at upper right, and in background upper left. There are some discolored old retouches over what appear to be some old tears and punctures in the column at center right. Despite all this, the image reads quite well. Examination under UV light: it is impossible to see anything through the old varnish. This painting has not been attended to in a long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration to address the old, discolored restorations, that could be done more skillfully, and to stabilize the small liftings. Offered in an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This portrait is a three-quarter length version of the full-length portrait by Hoppner of circa 1798, formerly in the collection of Lord Burton at Rangemore Hall.  Jane Elizabeth, Countess of Oxford (1774-1824) was the daughter of the Rev.  James Scott of Itchen Stoke, Hampshire.  She married Edward Harley, 5th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer in 1794.  The marriage endured despite the numerous love affairs of the Countess, most notably with Lord Byron.  The child depicted is her daughter Lady Jane Elizabeth Harley, who was born in 1796.  She married Henry Bickersteth, later Master of the Rolls and created Baron Langdale in 1836.