Vernon Hughes (fl.1852-1855) 'A Belle of the Eighteenth Century' signed 'Vernon Hughes' l.r., oil on canvas 29 x 24.5cm Provenance: Farm House, Farm Street, Mayfair, London. Literature: Christopher Wood, 'Victorian Painters', 2008, p.266. Condition report: Oil on canvas which is unlined. There are minor undulations across the canvas. Stretcher bar marks have formed caused by the paint layer cracking, mirroring the edges of the wooden stretcher behind. Wrinkles have formed in localised areas of the paint layer. There is overpaint present around the sitter’s left arm as well as the edges of the painting. The work is compromised by a white, smeary surface which appears to be in the varnish rather than a dirt layer on top. The surface of the work is very matte.