Sir William Beechey, R.A.

On loan to the Glasgow, City Art Gallery and Museum, 1971.

The catalogue illustration is representative, though the picture is less red in the flesh tones. The painting appears to be in very good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint, and the canvas has been lined. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals an opaque old varnish overall, as well as a small number of very minor retouchings in the lower section of the picture, and one in the upper right corner. The painting is held in a glazed gilt wood British rococo style frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@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."

Margaret Stirling was the daughter of Sir William Stirling, 4th Bt., of Ardoch (c. 1730-1799) and his wife Christian Erskine. She married firstly Andrew Stuart of Torrence and Castlemilk (see lot 212) and together they had three daughters. She married secondly in 1804 Sir William Johnstone-Pulteney, 1st Baron Pulteney and 5th Bt. of Westerhall (1729-1805) whose portrait by Gainsborough is at Yale Centre for British Art, New Haven.