STUDIO OF SIR ANTHONY VAN DYCK | Portrait of Queen Henrietta-Maria, three-quarter length, seated, in a blue dress

The canvas appears to be unlined. Overall this elegant portrait presents well to the naked eye. The skin tones are well intact, and were originally applied with thin glazes. The blue drapery appears to have been cleaned at some point and has thinned in areas as a result. The darker blues have some older retouching which in areas have begun to blanch. There is a larger isolated area of discolored retouching in the lower middle section, just below and through the sitters left hand. This is more visible to the naked eye than under uv. In a carved 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."

This portrait relates to an important, but lost, three-quarter length portrait of Henrietta Maria by van Dyck.  None of the known variants of this composition can be attributed to the master himself, however, in addition to the present work, other high-quality versions are in the Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego and in the Bomann-Museum at Celle.¹ 1. See S. Barnes, et al., Van Dyck, A Complete Catalogue of the Paintings, New Haven and London 2004, p. 635, cat. no. IV.A19.