Attributed to John Lewis

By descent to the sitter's nephew, Chambré Brabazon Ponsonby-Barker (1762-1834);
Thence by descent at Kilcooley Abbey, County Tipperary, Ireland. 

The picture is slightly richer in colour and lighter in tone thanthe catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas is unlined. The paint surface is in good overall condition apart from surface dirt and a yellowed varnish overall. There is some retoucing in the background in the cloudiness visible upper right and cente left. Examiantion under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the aforementioned retouching and varnish and also reveals some very minor cosmetic retouchings to the areas of shadow on the face, and there is some strengthening to the curls of the hair. Otherwise the picture is in good country house condition. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame in good overall condition.
"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 second daughter of Sir William Barker, 3rd Bt. of Bocking Hall, Essex, and Kilcooley Abbey, Ireland, and his wife Mary Quin, daughter of Valentine Quin of Adare, County Limerick. In 1768 she married Eland Mossom (1749-1808), of Kilkenny.