Circle of Allan Ramsay (1713-1784) Portrait of Robert Chester, head and shoulders, in a grey wig and red cloak Oil on canvas 59 x 49cm Provenance: Wood Hall, Arkesden, Essex. Robert Chester was the son of Sir Peter Chester and grandson of Edward and Judith Chester. Condition report: Oil on canvas which is unlined. The canvas tension is slack with stretcher bar marks and minor undulations. Small tears have started to form along the tacking edges. There is a prominent network of age craquelure across the surface which is slightly raised in areas and pulling the canvas forward. Overall the paint layer is in a stable condition. The varnish is old and yellowed but still glossy. In some areas the varnish has chipped off revealing the cool tones of the original paint layer below, for example in the flesh and cravat. There is a layer of surface dirt and fly spots present. The gilding on the frame is worn with a few chips and losses.