After Franz Xaver Winterhalter

Original canvas. There are scattered flecks of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably some infilling to the lower right corner, to the extreme right edge and to the left of the upper edge. Apart from stretcher marks to the edges, a repair to the upper right corner (patched on the reverse), frame rubbing along the right edge and scattered small areas of craquelure, this work is in good condition, with fresh, bright colours and fine detail. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame with a name plate.
"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 original work was painted for Queen Victoria as a birthday present to Prince Albert in 1852, and placed in the former's bedroom at Osborne House, a royal residence on the Isle of Wight.

Queen Victoria and Victoria, duchess of Nemours and Princess of Saxe-Coburg-Cohary (1822-57), were first cousins and very close friends; the Queen wrote after the duchess' death: 'She was so dear, so good - one of those pure, virtuous, unobtrusive characters who make a home' (Charlotte Canning, quoted in the catalogue for Franz Xaver Winterhalter and the Courts of Europe, London, National Portrait Gallery, 1987, p. 195).