Attributed to Nathaniel Hone, 18th century Portrait of Miss Mary Venables of Macclesfield, three-quarter length, in a blue dress with white fichu, holding roses Oil on canvas 74 x 62cm Provenance: By descent within the family of the sitter; Cheffins, Cambridge, 24 March 2010, Lot 659, where acquired by the vendor; Wood Hall, Arkesden, Essex. Mary Venables was the daughter of John Venables of Macclesfield and married Thomas Bayley. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The canvas is in plane with good tension. The paint layer is lifting along the fine network of age cracks leading to raised paint and a cupped surface. There are a few small paint losses across the surface. There is some wear and abrasion to the paint layer. Localised retouchings cover some of the age cracks in the sitter's hands and chest but does not appear extensive. The varnish is even but yellowed and slightly dull. There are drips of house paint on the varnish. The frame is in a good condition with some wear to the gilding along the lower edge and sides.