Thomas Hudson

half length, wearing a dark blue jacket embroidered with gold thread and an embroidered white waistcoat

Commissioned by Sir William Courtenay, 2nd Bt., (1675-1735);

STRUCTURE The canvas is unlined. There is one, very small puncture to the canvas, to the extreeme lower centre of the picture. PAINT SURFACE The picture appears to be in good, original condition. There is a fine craquelure, consistent with age, overall, and there is a very discoloured and dirty varnish overall. There is minor scattered areas of paint loss, in the centre of the canvas, where the craquelure has started to flake. There is also minor abrasion and paint loss to the right hand canvas edge. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the layer of dirt and discoloured vanish and reveals it to be very opaque. There does not appear to be any recent retouching to the painting. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded wooden frame. For further information on the present lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on 0044 (0)20 7293 5482, or via email at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

Henry Courtenay was the second son of Sir William Courtenay, 2nd Bt. and de jure 6th Earl of Devon (1675-1735), and his wife Lady Anne Bertie, daughter of 1st Earl of Abindon. In 1737 he married Lady Catherine Bathurst (d.1783), daughter of 1st Earl Bathurst. It was their grandson who became 10th Earl of Devon, inheriting the title from his second cousin.