Sir Henry Raeburn R.A.

With A.M. Byers Esq., Pittsburgh, by 1913;
By descent to J.F. Byers, Pittsburgh, by 1925.

New York, M. Knoedler and Co., Loan Exhibition of Portraits by Sir Henry Raeburn, 9 – 25 January 1913, no. 4, (lent by A.M. Byers);
New York, M. Knoedler and Co., Raeburn, 13-27 April 1925, no.16;
London, Sir Philip Sassoon, Georgian Art, 1931, (lent by J.F. Byers) 

Sir W. Armstrong, Raeburn, London 1901, p. 98;
Loan Exhibition of Paintings by Raeburn, exhibition catalogue, New York, 1925, no.16 (lent by J.F. Byers);

Canvas is relined. This picture is very fresh and in generally healthy condition. A dirty varnish covers the paint later. No major losses are visible to the naked eye. Some retouches in the foliage at upper right and a few pin dot size retouches, both of which are visible to the naked eye, are also clear under UV. A further small retouch is found along the right hand and wrist of the sitter. Otherwise, no retouches are discernable. Painting should respond well to a light cleaning and adjustment of retouches, then will be ready to hang. In a carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Duncan Thomson for confirming the attribution, based on an image.  He dates this portrait to the mid-1790s.