The x-ray image in the centre reveals the damage to the edges of the original canvas. The non-original paint along the lower edge appears to have been applied directly onto the thinly primed lining canvas. There is a high proportion of lead white pigment in the floor inside the archway, which suggests that there was originally a pale step rather than brown earth. The infrared reflectogram on the right reveals details of the wall behind the sitter, and that the standing grisaille figures were originally nude. There is some fine underdrawing in the grisaille areas, with parallel hatching.

© National Portrait Gallery, London