After Sir Anthony van Dyck

With the Duc de Duras c. 1838;
By whom bequeathed to Madame la Comtesse de Villeneuve;
Thence by descent

The panel has bowed slightly but is otherwise in good sound condition. The paint surface appears to be in good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint apart from an old minor restored loss in the upper left hand corner. There is also a small horizontal area of retouching to an old scratch, measuring approx. 1 in. which is visible to the naked eye parallel to the sitter's temple as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There are a further two very minor missing flecks of paint above and below this, as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. Overall there is evidence of surface dirt and a thin spidery craquelure concentrated in the lower right in the darker pigments around what looks like further retouching as can again be seen in the catalogue illustration. Inspection under UV light reveals old retouching to the darker pigments such as to the background, hair and costume as well as more recent retouching to the aforementioned scratch, a small area above it, and to the aforementioned lower areas. There is also evidence of a discoloured varnish overall. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition.
"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 original version by van Dyck, painted in 1636, is at Chequers Court.