Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.

By descent from the sitter to Charles, 13th Duke of St. Albans (1915 - 1988);
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 23 June 1978, lot 123.

A. Graves and W.V. Cronin, The Life and Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, London 1899, vol III, p.1006;
E.K. Waterhouse, Reynolds, London 1941, p. 70;
D. Mannings, Sir Joshua Reynolds, A Complete Catalogue of His Paintings, New Haven and London 2000, text volume, p. 80, no. 139; plates volume fig. 1252.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is stable and the varnish clear and even. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a minor degree of scattered sensitively executed and effective retouchings, few in the face on the side of the sitters nose and forehead, a patch above the knot in his neck tie, some below the 2nd button hole of his waistcoat, and some in the cuff of his glove and only very few in the background. The old varnish fluoresces opaque under ultraviolet, any earlier retouchings to the background are hard to make out. In overall very good condition. Offered in a gesso and carved gilt wood English 18th century 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."