Philippe Mercier (French, 1689-1760) Portrait of a lady, half length, in a gold dress and blue cloak, with pearl stomacher Signed with initials and dated 1742 l.r., oil on canvas, in a painted feigned oval 74 x 61cm Provenance: From a Suffolk country house; Sotheby's, London, 27 October 1971, where acquired by the vendor. Literature: John Ingamells and Robert Rainer, 'A Catalogue of the Paintings, Drawings and Etchings of Philip Mercier', Walpole Society, p.38, No. 122, XLVI 1976-78. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The canvas is in plane with good tension. There are numerous old tears across the canvas which have been repaired. Retouchings in these areas are slightly matte and discoloured but generally acceptable. There are a few small, scattered retouching across the surface. The varnish is old and yellowed but generally even. There are a few scattered losses to the gilding on the frame.