Circle of Sir Peter Lely (Soest 1618-1680 London)
Portrait of a gentleman, three-quarter length, in black costume with a white lace jabot, standing beside a stone bust statue of a woman
oil on canvas
126.2 x 102cm (49 11/16 x 40 3/16in).

The canvas has been relined, and the varnish is dirty and scuffed. There are numerous small losses throughout the paint surface, particularly around the edges, and in raking light it is possible to see an L-shaped repair with restoration to the sitter's shoulder. There is a small dent to the canvas, with accompanying losses to the background, centre right. Discoloured restoration is visible to the naked eye below the figure's lower hand and below the table, lower left. There is further old restoration to the figure's hair and to the curtain, centre left.
Inspection under ultraviolet light is difficult as the varnish is very reflective and uneven, but it is possible to see: the aforementioned restorations and repairs visible to the naked eye; strengthening to the facial features; a few small areas of restoration along the upper edge; infilling to the craquelure above the sitter's raised hand; restoration to the bust statue. Further restoration cannot be excluded.
Unexamined out of the frame.