Bolognese School, circa 1700

Half length, wearing a blue coat and white collar

Possibly William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian (1605-75), or Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian (1636-1703);
Certainly in the collection of John William Robert Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian (1794–1841), by 1833, when recorded in the inventory;
Thence by descent.

Possibly Newbattle Abbey inventory, c. 1726/27;
Possibly Newbattle Abbey inventory, c. 1775 (as 'a Beggar by Murillo', Great Room);
Possibly Newbattle Abbey inventory, c. 1788;
Newbattle Abbey inventory, March 1833, no. 254;
Newbattle Abbey inventory, May 1878, no. 254 (as by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Inner Hall);
J.M. Gray, Notes on the art treasures at Newbattle Abbey Midlothian, Edinburgh 1887, p. 15 (as by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo);
Newbattle Abbey inventory, December 1901, p. 75 (as 'Bust of a boy - Murillo', Inner Hall);
Monteviot House inventory, 14 July 1989, no. 254 (as by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Study).

The paper is laid on canvas, the varnish is very thick and discoloured, and fluoresces opaque under ultra violet light revealing little restoration. There is visible to the naked eye tiny scattered and retouched losses throughout - and some retouchings to a scratch in the boys hair. It seems likely there are also some very old retouchings in the background and jacket but it's hard to be sure as the varnish is so thick. Offered in a 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."

In his description of the Newbattle interiors, John Gray mentions this portrait as one of 'an interesting series of small fancy heads' found in the hall, presumably also including lots 489, 490, 492 and 493 (see Literature).