After Francis Cotes, R.A.

Half length, wearing a red coat

William Kerr, 6th Marquess of Lothian (1763-1824), married to the sitter's daughter, Lady Harriet Hobart-Hampden;
Thence by descent.

Newbattle Abbey inventory, March 1833, no. 611;
Monteviot House inventory, 14 July 1989, no. 611 (Library).

The small panel is flat and stable. The paint surface is a little dirty and has a distinctive craquelure throughout. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals retouching to disguise the appearance of the craquelure in the sitters left sleeve and label, and a handful of other tiny scattered retouchings but no major damage. Offered in a gesso and gilt wood frame with a few chips.
"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 reduced copy after Sir Francis Cotes' signed and dated original of 1766, also in the Lothian collection (inv. no. 243, bequeathed by Lady Lothian, 22 August 1832).¹

1. See E.M. Johnson, Francis Cotes, Oxford 1976, p. 81, cat. no. 193, reproduced fig. 58.