W.P. Knatchbull, Babington, Somerset, from whom purchased in April 1953, by Agnew;
With Thomas Agnew and Sons Ltd., London;
H.S. Williams;
With Barclay Fine Art, New York (according to an undated label on the reverse);
Private collection, New York;
Anonymous sale, Christie's, London, 17 July 1983, lot 73.

A. Kidson, George Romney: A complete catalogue of his paintings, New Haven and London 2015, vol. II, p. 349, cat. no. 761a, reproduced in colour.

The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. The reverse of the frame has resulted in visible but unobtrusive outdents in the canvas along all four edges, with some associated craquelure. There are a few tiny spots of paint loss at the top of her hair, as well as two areas of visible retouching, one in the centre of her forehead, and one just above that in her hair to an old damage. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals these, as well as retouching to another old damage halfway down her proper left sleeve, further small spots in her hair and a few in her neck, arm and dress, and scattered throughout the background, most notably in the upper right corner and above her proper right shoulder. In overall good condition. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in very good condition.
"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."

An autograph head and shoulders copy of Romney's full-length portrait of 1772 of Joan Knatchbull, depicted standing in a landscape, at Parham Park, West Sussex.¹ It is possible that the present work is 'the copy for Mr Knight' mentioned in Romney's letter to Miss Knatchbull herself, dated 14 October 1772, with a receipt of £42 for the full-length,² since one branch of the Knatchbull family married into the Knight family in the 18th century. 1. Oil on canvas, 239 x 147.5 cm.; see Kidson 2015, pp. 348-49, cat. no. 761, reproduced in colour. 
2. George Romney sketch book, c. 1772; MS 98, National Portrait Gallery, London.