This is the original cover painting for the well-known historical novel by Kathleen Winsor - made forever popular by the 1947 "racy" film starring Linda Darnell -  this edition published by Corgi 1983I show the published cover for reference) The novel is set in 17th century England, and explores of the exciting, and exceedingly amoral, life of Amber St. Clare.  Pether spared no detail in capturing the City of London, which figures large in the novel, and made even more impressive by the painting's size, 16.25" x 24"   Painted in gouache and egg tempera on illustration board, with a bit of yellowing and cracking to the surface from age, in the bottom grass section - but this hardly detracts from the grandeur of the scene, and likely can be restored to make the painting even more perfect.  Comes with a label attesting to its authenticity signed by Pether's widow, mounted to the back.