Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 4 April 1973, lot 79 (as Hamilton), where acquired.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is discoloured. There are 3 small spots of paint loss with associated retouching in the green curtain upper right, and another small spot in the background approx. 10cm. above the soldiers' heads upper left. Inspection under ultraviolet light some retouchings, most notably in the drooped figure's yellow cloth centre right, in the white bedsheets and the floor beneath it, in the lower left corner, in the furthest left standing figure's face, the shoulder of the figure to his right, and the furthest left sitting figure's knee. There are further small spots of retouching in the flesh tones of the figures centre right and in Achilles and Patroclus. In overall good condition. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with lamb's tongue decoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The subject of Achilles mourning his friend Patroclus comes from Book 16 of Homer's Iliad. The figure of Patroclus here may be found in two works which depict another Homeric subject, Andromache Mourning Hector: an oil sketch, circa 1759, by Gavin Hamilton (National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh; acc. no. NG 2428), and the work by Jacques-Louis David, 1783 (Musée du Louvre, Paris; D.L. 1969-1).