Sir Joshua Reynolds P.R.A. 1723-1792

half length, wearing a cream dress and an ermine lined pink cloak

Commissioned by Lord Amherst, the sitter's husband, who died without issue;
Thence by descent to Lucius, 7th Viscount of Falkand, the uncle of the sitter;
Thence by descent in the Falkland family;
Sir George Donaldson, by whom sold, 26th November 1907, bt. Agnew's;
Acquired from the above on 2nd March 1919 by S. Eliot Lewis, by whose executors sold, Christie's, 30th November 1934, lot 67 bt. Ford for £400 

A. Graves and W.V. Cronin, A History of the Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1899-1901, Vol. I, p. 17;
Agnew's Picture Stockbook, no. 4; 
David Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds, A Complete Catalogue of his Paintings, 2000, Text Volume, no. 52

A strong decorative work. The canvas has been lined. There are no apparent tears or damages and the work would appear to be in good structural condition. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some scattered old retouchings to the sitter's face and hair, and to the background around her head. There is some further evidence of infilling to lines of craquelure upper right, and some very minor touches to her chest, costume and the canvas edges. Held in a carved wood 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 sitter was the daughter of General the Hon. George Cary, younger son of Lucius 6th Viscount Falkland, and his wife Isabella Ingram. On 26th March 1767 she married Sir Jeffrey Amherst. Her husband won a great reputation as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the war against the French in America between 1758 and 1764, during which period he directed the capture of Louisberg, Quebec and Montreal. He was Govenor of Virginia between 1759 and 1768. In 1776 he was created Baron Amherst of Montreal. His portrait of circa 1765 by Reynolds is at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, and another of the same date at Amherst College. This portrait of his wife dates from 1767, soon after her marriage.