Thomas Hudson

By descent at Packington Hall, Coventry;
Heneage, 9th Earl of Aylesford;
His sale, London, Christie's, 23 July 1937, lot 71;
E. Hockley;
H.N. Mitchell;
Thence by descent and anonymously sold, London, Christie's, 11 June 1999, lot 38;
There purchased by the present collectors.

Probably A. Smart, The Life and Art of Allan Ramsay, London 1952, p. 41 (as by Allan Ramsay).

The canvas has an old wax relining which is secure. The paint surface is in very good condition with only minor visible losses resulting from the craquelure in the feather in the lower section. Inspection under UV reveals fine lines of retouching to the cobweb craquelure in the hat, face, chest and bodice though these are not discernible with the naked eye. There is further very minor retouching in the background and lower edge. Offered in an elaborately 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.

Lady Francis Courtenay married  Sir William Courtenay, 3rd Bt., later 1st Viscount Courtenay, de jure 7th Earl of Devon, of Powderham Castle, Devon, in 1741. The portrait was executed as part of a series of pictures commissioned from Hudson by the Courtenay and Aylesford families. The Courtenay's rank among Hudsons most important and consistent patrons through the course of his career. In fact, he executed another full length portrait of Lady Courtenay, along with similar works for Lady Courtenay's father, Heneage Finch, second Earl of Aylesford (unlocated) and her sister, Lady Mary Andover, all within the period 1764-8  (see E.G. Miles, catalogue of the exhibition, Thomas Hudson, Kenwood, 1979, fig. 2 in the introduction).