Attributed to John Hayls

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 28 January 1999, lot 467.

This pair of canvases are both lined. Both paintings read well and present strong images beneath old varnishes that have slightly discolored with age. In both paintings, inspection under UV is impeded by a milky varnish. This varnish seems to flouresce differently in some areas, for example in the background above the woman's head. Portrait of the Nobleman: There are some spots of inconsistency to the background at upper right, and there are some old, faintly discolored retouches visible through his cheek and chin at right. Inspection under UV reveals some more recent retouches scattered here and there, with more prominent spots, possibly to address old repairs, at the center of the upper edge and in his chest in the lower quadrant. Portrait of the Noblewoman: An old repair is visible on her lace collar, left of center. Inspection under UV reveals fine spots of retouching scattered here and there, a line of retouching visible in the background at upper right, and a small spot to the right of her hair. The pair of paintings are both offered in carved giltwood frames with a few 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.
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.

Few details about Hayls’s life are known.  He was a contemporary and rival of Sir Peter Lely and relative of the miniaturist, Samuel Cooper.  His most famous work is his portrait of diarist Samuel Pepys, in the National Portrait Gallery, London and there are numerous references to Hayls in Pepys's Diary pertaining to his sittings in 1666.