Belgian School (Fourth Quarter 19th Century), "Portrait of a Jesuit Missionary in China, Possibly Bishop Ferdinand Hamer", oil on canvas, unsigned, 42-1/2" x 34". Presented in an antique giltwood and gesso frame with a "Ivor and Joan Weiss Framing & Gilding, Colchester, Essex" label. Provenance: "Buzz" Harper Antiques, Natchez, Mississippi.

In good professionally restored condition. Scattered abrasions, especially at edges where canvas meets frame. A few surface scratches and whitish accretions, including lower right. Evidence of past restoration: inpainting at forehead, side of proper right eye, center of chest and cloth at left wrist, and other scattered small areas. Difficult for UV light to completely penetrate varnish layer. Old repair at center of chest and at lower right near wrist, both visible to naked eye and corresponding to inpainting mentioned above. Painting has been relined.