Conservation departments
Detail of the x-ray of the painting, showing how the position of the arms has changed
The x-ray shows that the position of Lady Folkestone’s hands has been altered at least twice.
Initially both hands were placed in her lap, secondly the left arm was altered to cross her body and clasp the right arm at the elbow.
The final position is more relaxed with the left hand resting lightly on the right arm. This is far less visible on the x-ray than the two earlier positions of the arms.
Detail of the painting showing the final position of the arms