After Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder

Gervas Evelyn Pierrepont, 6th Earl Manvers (1881-1955), Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, 15 April 1941 (according to a label on the reverse);
Thence by descent.

The small oval copper plate is flat and the paint surface is stable. In seemingly good overall condition with some small, scattered, now discoloured retouchings, inspection under ultraviolet light confirms that these retouchings are located mainly in the background, in the plum coloured coat and the teal sash of the sitter. There is no intervention in the face however, which is in excellent condition. The varnish however, is slightly discoloured. The copper panel is stuck to a circular painted gold mount which in turn is affixed to the glass. Offered in a simple carved and gilt wood 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."

Derived from the three-quarter-length portrait of Prince Bezborodko by Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder, dated 1794, of which there are numerous versions, including a miniature version on metal, of which the present painting is an almost direct copy, in the State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg.¹ Prince Bezborodko was the Grand Chancellor of Russia and was closely involved with all major diplomatic affairs of Empress Catherine the Great.

1. Inv. nos 8382 and 1678; see N. Nikulin, German and Austrian painting. Fifteenth to Eighteenth Centuries. The Hermitage catalogue of Western European Painting, Moscow and Florence 1987, pp. 467-68, cat. no. 397, reproduced.