English School, Late 18th Century

The painting is on an uncradled panel with a slight vertical convex bow. Overall the paint surface has been very well preserved with lovely detail and coloration throughout. There is one very tiny and minor vertical crack running about 1 in. from the center of the upper edge. There appears to be an old discolored retouch in the background curtain above and to the left of the sitter's head. Under UV light the thick old varnish fluoresces unevenly making it very difficult to read. There may be some old retouches in the foliage on the left side and there are some larger areas that fluoresce such as in the sky, but it is not clear if this is repaint or it has been selectively cleaned and revarnished. The painting is ready to hang and offered in a brown carved wood frame with faux tortoise shell details at the corners and center of each side.
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.