Sir Henry Raeburn R.A.

By descent from the sitter until sold London, Sotheby's, 12 July 1995, lot 65;
Bought post sale by the present owner.

The canvas has been sensitively lined and the painting is in good overall condition. The paint surface is secure and the varnish appears clear and even. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. The varnish fluoresces opaque on inspection under ultraviolet light making any restoration hard to see. It does not appear to have had any significant restoration bar only very few strengthenings in the flesh tones of the sitters face. This lot is offered in a carved and gesso painted gold 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."

The sitter was the son of Michael Carmichael and his wife Mary, daughter of John Hay of Restalrig.  On the death of his uncle, John Carmichael in 1789 he inherited the estate of Eastend.  He married Rebecca Alston and died in 1841.