The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's:

Sir Peter Lely Portrait of Elizabeth Capel, Countess of Carnarvon (1633–1678), with a guitar Oil on canvas, in a period Sunderland frame in good condition.

The original canvas is lined. The lining is in a good condition and there is good tension throughout. There is minor restored out loss to the edges of the composition. The energetic and bravura brushwork is evident in the intentionally sketchy passages of paint. The paint layer is in a very good preserved state, overall. Minor thinness of the thinly applied medium has allowed the pale ground colour and canvas texture to become visible in some areas. The skin tones are well preserved and subtle details to the face are intact. Some minor strengthening to some of the darker vulnerable passages has been undertaken. The paint texture and impasted passages are intact and the chromatic and tonal values are retained. No tonal benefit would be gained from removal of the varnish.

"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."