Louis-Michel Van Loo

With Jacques Seligmann (1858-1923), Paris;
His posthumous sale, Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, 18 May 1925, lot 44 (as Portrait présumé de Sir Horace Walpole);
Charles d'Heucqueville, Paris;
His sale, Paris, Galerie Jean Charpentier, 24-25 March 1936, lot 98 (as Portrait présumé de Sir Horace Walpole);
Anonymous sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 20 November 1941, lot 35 (as Portrait présumé de Sir Horace Walpole);
Anonymous sale, Paris, Galerie Charpentier, 28 March 1955, lot 65 (as Portrait présumé de Sir Horace Walpole);
Anonymous sale, Monte Carlo, Christie's, 19 June 1988, lot 74;
There acquired by the present owner. 

C.E. Buckingham Rolland, Louis Michel Van Loo (1701-1771): Member of a Dynasty of Painters, unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1994, p. 85, reproduced in color, plate 40. 

Overall the painting is in good condition, with nice retention of detail, particularly in the lace, fabrics and flesh tones. The canvas is is secure with a modern glue relining and the paint surface is well preserved under a fresh, clear varnish. There is an old repaired L shaped tear (of approximately 15 cm. by 15 cm.) in the sky at upper right, the surface of which is smooth and is visible due to a very slightly discoloration of the inpaint, though its effect is not distracting. There appears to be a repaired crack along the lower edge at the right side and the paint is a little thin in some areas, such as the belly of the dog and the tip of the sitter's wig. The is a visible pentiment in the position of the cane's strap at right. Inspection under UV reveals further very minor retouches along the lower and left edges and minor retouches to the belly of the dog and aforementioned repaired tear. The face remains largely untouched with only very minor retouched flakes. The painting is ready to hang as is and is offered in an elaborate 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.