(British, 1769–1830)Portrait Head of a Lady, circa 1825, unsigned, oil on canvas, 23 x 22-7/8 in.; modern gilt wood frame and spandrel, 28-1/8 x 28-1/8 in.; Note: In correspondence between the expert, Kenneth Garlick and the owner of Auslew Gallery dated 1966 an inquiry with a response was made concerning this portrait. Despite the painting not being included in the catalog of the artist's works published in 1989, Garlick renders a good opinion. He states in a signed letter (accompanies lot) dated December 5th, 1966:"I have seen a photograph of this portrait before - but not the original picture - and have never felt quite happy about it. On seeing your photograph (which is a better one than I saw before) I think it could be an unfinished Lawrence, although I would place it in the 1820's and not as early as 1800.  I am worried by such things as the modelling of the nose, the lines of the neck and the broad shadow across the lower part of the face and neck. These are untypical of Lawrence. Is there some touching-up there[?]"Labels verso suggest that the painting is of Katherine Mary Weld-Forester (née Manners), Baroness Forester (1779-1829) but this is not possible considering the date given by Garlick for the portrait and the hairstyle popular in the 1820s (see Garlick No. 91). The label verso also suggests a connection to the Forester family who do not appear in the catalog.This portrait does have retouch in the area of the neck mentioned by Garlick.; Provenance: Auslew Gallery, Inc., Norfolk, Virginia; Property From an Important Virginia Living Estate lined, restretched on older stretcher, craquelure, retouch in area of neck; frame with abrasions