After Sir Thomas Lawrence

Formerly in the collection of Victor Cavendish-Bentinck, 9th Duke of Portland (1897-1990);
Thence by decent to his son, Ferdinand Cavendish-Bentinck, 8th Duke of Portland (1889-1980);
Thence by descent to his brother, Victor Cavendish-Bentinck, 9th Duke of Portland (1897-1990);
Thence by descent.

The board is flat, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is clear and even. There is some surface dirt in the lower right corner, and retouchings in the face are faintly discoloured, most visible in the darker hues of the sitter's lower cheek and jawline. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals these and further retouchings throughout the face of the sitter, and scattered in the plain background. In overall fair 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."

A copy after Lawrence's unfinished sketch of Lady Elizabeth, sold London, Sotheby's, 6 December 2012, lot 131, delivered by the artist's executor to the Earl of Lonsdale, her father, in 1830.¹ It relates to the portrait painted by Lawrence in 1811, which has descended in the sitter's family and still remains in a private collection. The present painting was certainly part of the Cavendish-Bentinck collection by the early 20th century. The sitter's sister, Lady Mary Lowther (d. 1862), married Maj.-Gen. Lord Frederick Cavendish-Bentinck (1781-1828) in 1820, and it is possible that this work was copied by a member of Lawrence's studio as a second version for another member of the family.

This lot is sold with Two portrait sketches of Emily, Countess of Glengall, After Lawrence; oil on canvas; 59 x 51.1 cm.; 23 ¼  x 20 1/8  in. A copy after the unfinished work by Lawrence, left in trust for the nation with the Chevening estate by the 7th Earl Stanhope.²

1. See K. Garlick, Sir Thomas Lawrence. A complete catalogue of the oil paintings, Oxford 1989, pp. 230-31, cat. no. 518, reproduced.
2. See Garlick 1989, p. 195, cat. no. 330, reproduced.