Jean-Marc Nattier

Colonel Hope Vere (d. 1959);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 16 May 1952, lot 25, to Wallraf;
With Wildenstein, London;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 12 December 1990, lot 107 for £20,000;
George Encil, London;
By whom posthumously sold, London, Sotheby's, 17 December 1998, lot 202.

London, Wildenstein, Portraits of 15th to 19th Century, July-August 1963, no. 20.

V. Prat, in Experience and Adventures of a Collector, Paris 1989, p. 178.

The canvas has been relined but is not too tight on the stretcher. It is undamaged and in very stable condition. The paint surface is smooth and well varnished, without loss of paint or flaking. There is craquelure throughout, but the pigments have not sunkendramatically, or lost their form. Rather, the contrasts in texture between the heavy red velvet cloak and the frilly white of the sleeves and necktie are remarkably effective and attractive. The detail in the fleshtones has not suffered either, these retain the delicate changes in effect between flushed cheeks, soft lips and rougher skin around the mouth. The detail of the miniature depicting a lady, which the sitter holds in his hand, has not worn. It is a particularly charming and personal detail. Inspection under UV light reveals repair to the upper left and right areas of background, very well exceuted and not disturbing to the naked eye. It also reveals some minor retouchings around the hand, around the sleeve and to the craquelure, particulary in the sitter's face. There are smaller atches of reapit in the lower corners, both sides, and some minor restrengthening to the sitter's shoulder, and hair. This lot is offered in gilt frame, with magnificant heavy carving around the edges and with only a few minor knocks to the gilding, easily repaired with a lick of paint. The frame is structurally sound and has clearly been well looked after.
"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."