102 ANTHONY PAYNE. 



are indebted for the excellent condition of the colouring at the 

 present day. . Fortunately, the face was the least damaged part 

 of the whole picture, and its characterisation is excellent, the 

 modelling being sound and firm, and the colour beautiful. Even 

 Young's engraving of the face is a libel on the painting. 



When the picture was brought to me, every part was more 

 or less besmeared with paint and varnish, with none of Kneller's 

 work visible in any part. And now, but for those few and very 

 small parts which it was necessary to re-paint, the picture stands 

 in aU its original condition, as one of the masterpieces of that 

 artist. 



To one other fact I would call your attention, namely, that 

 since Young's engraving was made, the picture has been con- 

 siderably cut down as will readily be seen by comparing the 

 picture with the engraving. By sealing both, I iind that live inches 

 have been cut from the bottom ; six inches from the top ; four 

 and a half inches off the right side, and six and a half inches 

 off the left side. The canvas was, therefore, originally nine feet 

 by six feet, and now is only eight feet one inch, by five feet one 

 inch. 



My work has extended over about six months ; I am indebted 

 to you for the privilege of restoring such a masterpiece, and 

 must congratulate you on the possession of such a very fine 

 work of art. 



Yours faithfully, 



W. A. EOLLASON. 



To the Council of the Royal Institution 

 of Cornwall, Truro. 

 3rd December, 1903. 



Note. — The cost of this restoration Avas defrayed by Sir 

 Robert Harvey, the donor of the picture to the Institution. — Ed. 



