Robert Scott Lauder, R.S.A.

Sir Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere, Mertoun House, St. Boswells, Roxburghshire;
Christie's, London, 21 October 1977, lot 59, purchased by the Fine Art Society, London, where purchased by the father of the present owners

Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, 1831, no.133;
London, Royal Academy, 1839, no.428;
London, International Exhibition, 1862, no.491
Edinburgh, Scott Centenary Exhibition, 1871, no.489;
Glasgow, International Exhibition, 1888, no.306 
London, Royal Academy, Exhibition of Scottish Art, 1939, no.211

This picture is relined. There is a small protrusion in the canvas lower right and some localised signs of craquelure and paint separation across the canvas, which appear stable. Ultraviolet light reveals some retouching to craquelure along the centre of the lower edge; also areas of retouching to and around the central group of figures and a few further small areas elsewhere. Held in a 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. 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."