Portrait of a cleric, half-length, holding a letter signed and dated 'drouais f.1734' (centre left) [strengthened?] oil on canvas 69 x 56cm

Provenance: Christie’s, London, 28th October 1998, lot 258

The painting is executed in oil on a canvas support. The canvas has been lined at an early stage in its history, the original tacking margins are still present. The canvas tension is slightly slack but adequate and the picture is in plane. The paint layer is stable overall. There are areas of overpaint across the surface, mainly located in the sitter’s face. The varnish has slightly yellowed with age but is even and semi-glossy. There is a layer of surface dust and dirt present. 96.5 x 78cm framed