CIRCLE OF MARGARET CARPENTER | Portrait of Harriot Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans (1777-1837)

The canvas appears to have been lined. There is craquelure and paint seperation with some areas of paint lifting in the upper left hand quadrant. There is a discloured layer of surface varnish and some dirt throughout. There is an indentation to the canvas with an area of associated paint loss next to the figure's arm in the lower centre of the composition. UV light inspection reveals some evidence of old retouching and infilling but further reading is obscured by a heavy layer of opaque varnish. A more recent spot of retouching to the background in the lower left hand quadrant. Held in a decorative gilt composition 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 Duchess of St Albans was a successful British actress whose celebrated beauty was painted by some of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including Sir Thomas Lawrence and George Romney. She was the wife of Thomas Coutts, founder of Coutts Bank, and latterly of William Beauclerk, 9th Duke of St Albans. After the passing of her first husband, she inherited the formidable Coutts estate to become one of the wealthiest women in Britain. She was noted for her business acumen, and her wealth grew steadily throughout her life. She bequeathed her entire fortune to her niece, Angela Burdett-Coutts, who dedicated her life to philanthropy and is remembered as a social-housing pioneer.