John Riley

Lady Hodgson;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 November 2002, lot 149;
Private collection, East Coast, United States;
By whom sold, New York, Christie's, 26 October 2016, lot 148.

The canvas has been relined, and the painting has been recently cleaned and varnished. Ultra violet inspection reveals some spot retouchings in the sitter's arm, chest and to her forehead to reduce the appearance of craquelure. There are also some strengthenings in the folds of the drapery, where there is some degree of wear. There is also a horizontal area of retouching in the background approximately 3 x 12 centimetres, to the left of the sitter. The painting is overall in good condition. It is offered in a 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. 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."

The sitter was the daughter of Richard Sherard of Lobthrope. She married Sir John Brownlow in 1676, and they quickly inherited the Brownlow fortune and Belton estates. A full-length portrait of the sitter by John Riley and John Closterman is in the National Trust Collection at Belton House, Lincolnshire, which includes the same plinth.¹ 

1. Inv. no. NT 436005.2.