Henri Gascars

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in overall good condition with some scattered minor retouching visible to the areas of shadow in the sitter's corset and hands. There is no significant damage or loss of paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals three further areas of retouching to the edges of the sitter's face, neck and hair, as well as some very minor scattered retouchings throughout the costume. There is an uneven layer of discoloured varnish overall. FRAME Held in a period carved and gilded wooden 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, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@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."

The sitter was the daughter of Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford (c.1599-1673), and his wife Anne, daughter of William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Exeter. On 16th February 1645 she married Robert Bruce, 1st Earl of Ailesbury and 2nd Earl of Elgin (1626-1685), by whom she had seventeen children, nine of which appear to have survived to adulthood. Please see lot 149 for a portrait of her husband.