Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.

Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 4th November 1986, lot 36 (bt. for $1,700 as a Portrait of a Gentleman)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is no apparent loss of paint, though there are the faint signs of an old tear in the sitters costume. There is a dirty varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish and reveals scattered minor retouching to the old tear mentioned above, as well as to an area running horizontally to the left of the sitters head. There is further scattered minor retouching overall, predominantly in the flesh tones of the sitter's face and hands, and in the upper right hand corner. FRAME Held in a wood and moulded plaster gilt frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or 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."

James Bertie was the son of Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey and his second wife Bridget Wray, Baroness Norreys. In 1682 he was created Earl of Abingdon, and later served as Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire (1674-1687 and 1689-1697). Initially he had been a supporter of James II, but in 1688 he was prominent amongst the peers who invited William of Orange to England, contributing £30,000 towards the expenses of his expedition though he was unenthusiastic about supplanting the King. In 1672 he married Eleonor, daughter of Sir Henry Lee Bt. She died in 1691. In 1698 he married Catherine Dowager Viscountess Wenman, daughter of Sir Thomas Chamberlayne. He was succeeded by Montagu, his son by his first wife. Bishop Burnet described him as 'a gentleman of fineparts, makes a good figure in the counties of Oxon and Berks; is very high for Monarchy and Church; of a black complexion."