Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.

By descent to the sitter's younger daughter Lady Mary Churchill, Duchess of Leeds (1723-1764);
Thence by family descent until sold by the Trustees of the 12th Duke of Leeds, at Hornby Castle, Lancashire, 1964;
J. H. C. Evelyn;
By whose Trustees sold, London, Christie's, 3 November 1972, lot 211 (as attributed to Kneller), for 420 Guineas to Ledbury;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 14 March 1990, lot 45 (as Charles D'Agar).

The canvas is lined, the paint surface secure, and the varnish is clear and even. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals two campaigns of retouching. The older campaign is focused mainly in the blue of the right hand side of the boy's coat and is concerned mainly with minimalizing the effect of a degree of wear and discolouring throughout the darker tones of that pigment. Newer restoration is sensitive and sparing, only a few patches of localised retouching in the background and some hairline retouchings in the ladies face to minimalize the effect of the craquelure. There are some other small patches of strengthenings in the darker tones of the folds in the clothes but otherwise in overall good condition. Offered in a carved and gesso gilt wood 18th century English frame in 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."

Henrietta was the eldest daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, and his wife Sarah.  In 1722, on the Duke's death, she succeeded as Duchess of Marlborough in her own right. In 1698, she had married Francis, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, the son of Queen Anne's Lord High Treasurer.  She bore him three children, William, later Marquis of Blandford, who married Catherine de Jongh, Henrietta, later Duchess of Newcastle, and Mary, later Duchess of Leeds.