With J. Leger & Son, London, by May 1961(as by Copley);
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, April 17, 1986, lot 70 (as Circle of Copley), there purchased by the present owner.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has been lined using glue as an adhesive. The paint layer is stable. It has been unevenly cleaned and the face and the doves appear to be cleaner than many other parts of the picture. However, the paint layer seems to be quite healthy. Badly matched retouches have been applied in the breast of the bird and in her white feathers. To the immediate right of the mouth in the shadow of the face there are restorations but it is the uneven cleaning which gives the picture a rather unpolished feel. If the picture were to be properly cleaned and retouched more accurately, the paint layer would respond very well and the picture would be ready to hang.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This portrait, which had traditionally been ascribed to Copley, clearly reflects the influence of American portraiture of the period.  It may have been painted by an American artist working in London under the influence of Copley or of his contemporary, Benjamin West, both of whom spent significant portions of their careers working in England.