FRANCIS COTES, R.A., AND STUDIO | PORTRAIT OF ELIZABETH HAMILTON CAMPBELL, DUCHESS OF ARGYLL AND 1ST BARONESS HAMILTON OF HAMELDON (1733-1790), THREE-QUARTER-LENGTH, IN A GREEN DRESS WITH A PINK CLOAK, WITH SUNFLOWERS TO THE RIGHT AND A STONE URN TO...

FRANCIS COTES, R.A., AND STUDIO
London 1726 - 1770
PORTRAIT OF ELIZABETH HAMILTON CAMPBELL, DUCHESS OF ARGYLL AND 1ST BARONESS HAMILTON OF HAMELDON (1733-1790), THREE-QUARTER-LENGTH, IN A GREEN DRESS WITH A PINK CLOAK, WITH SUNFLOWERS TO THE RIGHT AND A STONE URN TO THE LEFT

oil on canvas
128 by 103cm., 50⅜ by 40½in.

Condition Report:
The painting is in overall good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint. The canvas has been sensitively relined and the impasto in the drapery is well preserved. There is a small amount of minor frame abrasion to the edges of the canvas and a slightly discoloured varnish overall, but otherwise the painting is well preserved and ready to hang. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals very little retouching or restoration. There is a small line of very minor retouching on the bridge of her nose, a small area just below the chin, and two small areas of minor stabilisation in the hair. There are a small number of further areas of minor retouching in the head of the sunflower, to the lid of the urn, and to a handful of minor areas in the lower right. There is also strengthening to the foliage in the upper right corner and some old flecks of retouching in the background also upper right. However overall ultraviolet light reveals the painting to be in remarkably well preserved 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."

Provenance:
By descent to the daughter of the sitter, Lady Charlotte Campbell, 1790;

By descent to her daughter Adelaide, Lady Lennox (1804-1888);

By descent to her daughter Constance, Lady Russell (1872-1942);

By inheritance to her daughter-in-law Marjorie, Lady Russell, Berkshire, by 1925;

Christie's, London, 23 June 1972, lot 85, for 240 Guineas to Leslie (as Studio of Cotes);

Bonhams, London, 9 July 1981, lot 112 (as Cotes);

Christie's, Edinburgh, 14 November 1985, lot 515 (as Cotes and Assistant)