Perhaps Philip Vandyck Browne [1801-1868], Shrewsbury. Philip Browne, Shrewsbury, as by Gainsborough.[1] (Bellas), France.[2] Howard Sturges [d. 1955], Providence, Rhode Island, as by Gainsborough; bequest 1956 to NGA. [1] An ink label on the back of the stretcher is inscribed: "No 53 [`3' altered from `2'] by Gainsborough/on paper laid down/on canvas/Lent by/Philip Browne/Shrewsbury." The exhibition cannot be identified, but must have been subsequent to 1898, when the picture was adhered to canvas. Philip Browne may have been a descendant of the artist Philip Vandyck Browne, a prominent citizen of Shrewsbury (information about whom was kindly supplied by Mr. Nigel Gaspas, Keeper, Shrewsbury Museums). [2] A label from the French shipping company Chenue on the back of the stretcher is inscribed in ink: "Monsieur Bellas/pour Londres." Bellas was presumably a dealer, since the picture was exported as part of a consignment consisting of at least two cases.