Follower of Hieronymous Custodis

By descent in the Hesketh family, Heslington Hall, Yorkshire, to Anne, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Hesketh of Heslington (d. 1708), who married in 1692 Lieutenant Colonel James Yarburgh (d. 1728) of Snaith Hall, Yorkshire;
Thence by descent to Mary Elizabeth Yarburgh (d. 1884) eldest daughter and co-heir of George John Yarburgh (1811-1875), who married in 1862 George William Bateson, later Bateson de Yarburgh, 2nd Baron Deramore of Belvoir (1823-1893);
Thence by descent in the Deramore family to the present owner.

The painting is fresher in tone and richer in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. It is painted in a three part flat and stable chamfered panel. The paint surface appears to be in very good condition with no apparent areas of damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for frame abrasion visible in the lower right and discoloured retouching to old frame abrasion along the left hand panel edge. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an area of old minor retouching at the top of the centremost panel join measuring approx 3 in. There has been a more recent and conservative campaign of retouching down the line of this join and up the line of the left most panel join. There are a number of small cosmetic flecks of retouching to the face, most noticeably in a thin vertical line of retouching above the nose which measures approx. 2 in. There are further flecks of scattered retouching to the right most edge of the collar adjoining the panel join and there has been a more extensive campaign in strengthening the darker pigments in the central part of the sitter's doublet; all things considered though the painting seems to be well preserved. Offered in a painted black and gold wood frame in very 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."