John Bettes the Younger, The Duchess of Chandos (detail), 1579

Sir Percival Hart is arguably in better condition than The Duchess of Chandos. The Duchess of Chandos is heavily restored and significantly overpainted. The duchess’s complexion is murky and cloudy, and sections of her hair are ill defined, whereas Sir Percival’s face is clear and crisp. Sir Percival Hart is not in perfect condition, however; the original painting has been thinned down, flattened, and glued onto a new panel.