John Scougal

Probably Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet of Pitsligo (1739-1806);
Thence by descent.

Will of Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet of Pitsligo [typed transcript n.d. taken from a manuscript from circa 1806] 'Disposition of Pictures, trinkets etc. to his Eldest Son / no. 2. [iii] Portrait of Lady Jean Keith, d. of the Earl Kintore, her picture hangs in the passage';
List of Portraits at Fettercairn House, 1924, p. 8 (as 'Mary Mackenzie'; Long Passage).

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: 1. Portrait with pie crust lace collar. The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable and secure, although there is a slight loss of tension. There are small discoloured restorations covering minor paint loss to the lace collar, the flesh tones on the sitter's chest, to the background and a scattering to reduce the fading of the Smalt blue pigment of the cloak. A discoloured varnish covers the surface and an appreciable tonal improvement would be gained with its removal Overall, the painting is in a good state of preservation. 2. Portrait in blue dress. The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable and secure; there is a loss of tension resulting in 'cockling' to the canvas top and bottom. There are discoloured restorations scattered across the surface indicating previous paint loss, most obviously to the blue dress but also to the flesh tones of the chest and face and to the background. Some of this restoration is in excess to the paint lost. Compromised paint to the hair has been strengthened. Paint texture to the highlights on the dress and the flesh are well preserved and much of the painting remains in good condition. The varnish is degraded and discoloured and its removal will improve the tonality .
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Sold together with a portrait by L. Schunemann (active 1651–81) of Lady Jane Keith, wife of Sir William Forbes, 4th Baronet (d. 1720), half-length, wearing a brown and white dress; oil on canvas, oval, and of the same dimensions; and recorded in the List of Portraits at Fettercairn House, 1924, p. 7 (Long Passage).