Thomas Frye

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 23rd January 1957, lot 117;
With Thomas Agnew & Son, London, from whom acquired by the late owner.

M. Wynne, 'Thomas Frye (1710-1762)', The Burlington Magazine, Vol. CXIV, February 1972, p. 84, nos. 18 &19

STRUCTURE Both canvases have been lined. PAINT SURFACE Portrait of a Gentleman: The painting appears to be in good condition. There are a number of visible old scattered retouchings, predominantly in the sitter's costume, and there are a further two small areas of retouching in the lower left corner. There is a discoloured varnish overall, as well as a layer of ingrained dirt. Portrait of a Lady: The painting appears to be in good condition. There is a discoloured and dirty varnish overall. There are scattered, very minor abrasion marks in the lower section of the canvas, and there appears to be old over paint in the background up the mid and upper left edge of the painting. UTRAVIOLET Portrait of a Gentleman: Examination under ultraviolet light reveals what appears to be extensive over paint to the background on the let hand side of the painting, and confirms the scatteres retouchings and dirt mentioned above. Portrait of a Lady: Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered minor retouching, and confirms the opacity of the discoloured varnish, and the ingrained dirt overall. FRAME Both paintings are unframed.
"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."