After Sir Anthony van Dyck

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is one small chip just below the sitter's left arm, but otherwise there are no apparent damages or areas of paint loss. There is a thick varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals retouching to an old tear to the right of the sitter's head. The tear has three main strands, the two largest heading to the right, into the background, the third, which is smaller, extends in to the flesh tones of the sitter's face, creating a right angle across to the nose, and down to the lip. There is further minor retouching scattered overall, to old craquelure and damage in the background. There is some strengthening to the sitter's costume, and there is strengthening in the flesh tones of the sitter's arms. The thick varnish makes reading these retouchings difficult. FRAME The painting is unframed. 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 present painting is a version of the portrait at Petworth House, Sussex.