Mary Elizabeth Harding (b. circa 1857) Lady in a bluebell wood

Mary Elizabeth Harding (b. circa 1857) Lady in a bluebell wood, kneeling down to pick up flowers, dressed in a white robe with a pink cape, her head covered with a scarf in purple and gold tones, in the pre-raphaelite style, signed Mary Harding lower left, oil on canvas, visible painting 89 x 89.5cm, frame 100 x 100cm, glazed

Condition Report
Oil on canvas, in a glazed framed. The painting has not been examined outisde of its frame. Canvas surface seems good, no obvious repairs. The colours are well preserved. Some light craquelure on the cape, dress, headscarf. Through a tear in the paper covering the back of the frame, it is possible to see on one side only that the canvas does extend below the mount (but we cannot determine whether there would be painting on the unseen surface). Examined under UV light (in the glazed frame) there is no obvious sign of retouching. Some cracks on either side of the mount, mid length. The frame's joints are sound but it does present wear. Molding missing in several places. We have three pieces that could be re-attached but some still missing. Provenance: private collector, acquired by descent (owned by the same family for at least 70 years).

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.