Henri Gascars

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition, with no apparent loss or damage. There is some minor visible retouching in the lower left and two small scratches nearby, and there is some very minor retouching to the outline of the fingers of the left hand. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals old retouching to a fine tear in the lower left, which runs horizontally in from the canvas edge to the sitter's cloak, above the baton. FRAME Held in a 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 elder son of Thomas, Lord Bruce, 1st Earl of Elgin and his wife Anne, daughter of Sir Robert Chichester. He married Lady Diana Grey, daughter of the 1st Earl of Stamford in 1646. He succeeded his father in 1663 and was given the additional English title of Earl of Ailesbury by Charles II the following year. He was Lord Chamberlain to James II, dying the year of the Glorious Revolution.